Facebook Etiquette Series 3: The Wall

***Just a heads up before reading this, I have found that this post brings about a much greater effect if it is read in either a Julie Andrews voice or a Morgan Freeman voice.  Just saying...***

We live in a world surrounded by four walls at nearly all times.  Some of them are white, some of them are blue, some of them are covered in pictures.  Some even have crap all over them.  I know one of my walls is covered in random mementos from my life (like my umbilical cord (just kidding (but seriously I'm not (no really, I am (so many parenthesises))))).

Now, the wall on your Facebook is just like these walls that surround you every day.  They are white and blue, they might have a wallpaper or some other fun design on them.  And they are generally covered in crap.  Also, you tend to stare at them when you are bored.

The wall is where you post your stati (I believe the proper word for status) and your friend's post their thoughts on you or something else you may have experienced mutually or some other random sort of gibberish.  I'll get to stati later, but right now, I feel there is a certain amount of decorum one must show with wall posts.

First, if you are the recipient of a wall post, the first thing you can do if you do not feel like responding immediately is liking the comment.  This shows the writer that you have interest in their comments, and that you might need some time recollecting your thoughts before responding.  This "like" also shows others who may have the same interest that what is said is worthwhile and will thus, read it.  This will create a lemming effect of liking and thus, give the writer a much needed sense of satisfaction.

Now, the question becomes, do I respond on my wall, or do I write something new on their wall?  If, for instance, you are good friends with the person and you know the conversation will carry through to the other wall without referencing much in the previous post, then it is a safe bet to write something on the other person's wall.  If, however, the person will be confused and possibly explode from said confusion because the conversation no longer makes sense, then it would be best to write on your own wall.

The wall is like the glorious water cooler in the office.  Everyone goes there to tell a good joke, get an update on your life over the past few days and then go back to work.  Therefore, it is best to keep your wall understandable and clean.  A few pictures of memes and other such frivolousness will be permitted.  But you put something about Farmville and you deserve to have your wall left barren, for all to see the shambles your life has fallen to.

In conclusion, the wall is much like your walls at home, and you don't go smearing shit all over them now, do you?

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Brian