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Old High School Connections
In my mailbox this morning was this exchange from the woman who keeps our high school class connected. She maintains address, emails and is critical for keeping us informed about what’s going on with LSHS Class of ’59. She isn’t too web savvy but she knows how to email. She got this reply from a message about one of our classmate’s recent injury.
>>> Does anyone know how to set up a ‘Group’ in Face Book where we could
>>> share this information instantly rather than sending to Louise and
>>> having her forward to the list?
Louise forwarded the message to me because she knows that I am on Facebook and that I set up a group page for all the classes from the 50’s and 60’s.
>
> I don’t do Facebook…..if anyone wants to do that it’s fine with me. I would love to
> know how to do a “newsletter” and put out the good and bad news say bi-monthly.
> If you or anyone else knows how to do it, PLEASE let me know – I would love to
> have someone do that! The classes of ’57 and ’58 have one and I love to read about
> our “big brothers and sisters”! Take care. Louise
I have enjoyed the way that Facebook facilitates communication and connections. Over the past few years I have connected with several high school classmates through Facebook. Because it is well designed to facilitate growing your circle of connections, I suggest that everybody needs to have a Facebook presence and connect with people. There are several reasons why this is important. First, we all need social connections and when you get older those connections aren’t so easy to maintain. Second, reconnecting with people who were important in your past is very fulfilling. Third social media can keep you connected when your mobility is limited and gives you an escape from the limitations of reduced mobility. Finally, the web will increasingly become a source of support and information which you will miss if you are not connected.
I am picking up the challenge
I’m going to set up a Facebook page for the Class of 59 and I will offer to help Louise contribute to it but I want to do more. Louise and I will team up to invite every surviving class member to create a Facebook presence and I will help Louise get comfortable with adding content. The goal here is to get 100% participation for the class of ’59 on Facebook. But that is just my challenge.
How about you?
I have one for my readers as well. Here’s what I want you to do.
1. Create a Facebook presence if you don’t already have one.
2. Add your employment, and school information and look at the suggested names of friends
3. Send friend requests to five friends from high school
4. Post something about what you are doing or what you are thinking
5. Report back and leave a comment about your experience.
If you don’t know how to do any of this, leave me a comment and I will help you do it. I don’t think many of you will find this difficult. You may already have set up your presence but just not done anything about it. Do all five steps and then tell me about your experience. And while you are there look me up and send a friend request. Just search for Ralph Carlson
Good for you, Ralph. Using what you have learned to help others stay connected is one of the real positives of social media.
It will be interesting to see how the reader challenge goes, too.
Good luck!
Bob
Satisfyingretirement’s last Blog Post ..How am I Supposed to Pay For This
Thanks Bob,
Facebook seems to be having a snit today but that can’t last.
Ralph, the concept is good, but I’m gonna have to pass on the challenge. It just isn’t practical for me.
I went to a small private school, and my graduating class was a class of 5. Two of us are dead, a third probably doesn’t want any reminders of what she and I were caught doing in the girls bathroom, and the last one I don’t remember even if it was a male or female.
Bob@JuicyMaters’s last Blog Post ..“Surprise- surprise- surprise!” – Gomer Pyle- a Great American
Bob,
Maybe you can hook up with the family butler and the kids of the help like Bruce Wayne did. So what if you were a poor little rich kid. There must be somebody to connect with.
Ralph…I’m a face Book Luddite. Don’t have one, never seen one. But, I can see the value, and you make a convincing argument for Face Book. Question…Is there any downside to Face Book? maybe I’m being a bit conspiratorial, what do you think. I’m tempted, cause I might be able to track down some High School buddies I haven’t heard from in decades.
Hansi’s last Blog Post ..Twin Problems
Hansi,
I don’t really see one. Just don’t post your SSN or bank accounts or enough information to let somebody hack into your identity. Ask some of your law enforcement buddies about the risks if you are uncomfortable (or your daughter). I’ll bet she can tell you what to be careful about.
It is a great way to connect- before it is too late.