An Obsidian Potency PSA: Why aren't you on Facebook yet? [with Quick Poll]

Seriously.  Facebook has now reached the point that staying away doesn't make any sense, as this article points out.  There are many, many more benefits than costs -- so much so that I'd be willing to pay a nominal fee to be on Facebook.  It's nothing less than the best social-networking site of all time, and there are a thousand ways to protect your privacy. 

You can customize Facebook so that anyone you add can only see the aspects of your profile that you want them to see.  You can make it so your photos aren't shared with anyone.  You can make it so you can't be found by Facebook search engines.  You can do whatever you want -- yet at the same time, you can keep up with people who are far away or who you don't ge the opportunity to talk to enough. 

Some of my friends will never use something like Facebook, so I can understand why they aren't on it.  As for the rest, who have been on other social networking sites: what the hell are you waiting for?  As Manjoo points out, we've almost reached the point where being under the age of 40 and not being on Facebook is like not having a cellphone: you're basically making a statement by not participating.  [Please refer to the poll on the OP homepage to cast a vote for your reason, or leave a comment below.]

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