I really don’t know the answer to this question, though I plan to use all my brain power in the next few minutes make up an answer (Wow! I swear the lights above me just dimmed…).
I have a general aversion to all things popular, particularly where Christian culture is concerned. In many ways I am proud of my Christian snobbery. Purpose Driven Life? Your Best Life Now? Never read them. Max Lucado? Beth Moore? Ignore ‘em. Their popularity ensures that I will not join in. I read The Shack before it became popular, so I actually take pride in the fact that I read it when it was obscure. Same with music. I point out to people that I saw P.O.D. in concert before they became famous…like I had anything to do with their rise in popularity. In fact, one of my co-workers told me I was a theological snob last week (thanks Chris). Of course this was said in a spirit of love… :)
Truth is, in some warped way, I find identity in resisting things that others do so easily. Like being counter-cultural for identity’s sake. But statistically I’m not counter-cultural at all – I’m the most average guy in America. And that makes being counter-cultural…well, stupid.
So why am I not on Facebook? Blogging is much more time consuming and personal if you do it right. I dunno – I feel like signing up for a social network like Facebook would “expose” me in a way that I’m not comfortable with. There are some people I don’t want to find me, you know. At the same time, social networks make you feel like you’ve sat down and had a conversation over coffee with someone when, in reality you have a surface understanding of them at best. More “small talk.” I can shake somebody’s hand at a party and do that – why carry it over into cyber-space? Weird huh? Anyone else boycotting Facebook?
I’m boycotting boycotting….crap, i just did it again:)
Brad –
Since you’re a Baptist, I think the word you’re looking for is “Disney”…
You old fogy. (Anyway, the issue now is whether you’re on Twitter.)
Fogy \Fo”gy\, n.; pl. Fogies. 1. A dull old fellow; a person behind the times, over-conservative, or slow; — usually preceded by old; an old fogy. [Written also fogie and fogey.] [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
(Comment posted by a 59 year old UM pastor.)
I have really enjoyed “finding” people on Facebook and then going out to lunch with them. Some of the people that we graduated with are too far away so it is nice to have this outlet to communicate with them. I hated only seeing my sister only once a year but now we can write and post pictures everyday of what we are doing. yes we can send email but it is a lot of fun to show all of our friends with out sending each one of them an email. As long as one of you stays on its ok. I know where to find you anyway!!!! JK
You’re not missing much. I have a ton of old friends on my Facebook page but I seldom check it except to add yet more people. MySpace is even worse though.
I rebel often… with many things… picketing, voting, hairstyles [or lack-of-hair styles]… I just like to be different to be me… ’cause I’m… well… different.
While FB is mostly surface and fluff… I have found some people I wanted to find… and those I don’t want to bother me… I just ignore and delete…
But, you go on being you, brother… that’s why we love you…
Hey everyone –
Thanks for the all the comments and comic relief…
Yeah, a fogy I may be but I may still sign up on Facebook yet…hmmm…on second thought…. 
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I’m very much like you in this – but no longer in regard to Facebook. I was a slow starter on it but have found so many old friends from High School and even Grade School who I’ve been able to pray for, counsel, and even speak to about Christ that it’s been well worth enduring the trite stuff people post on their status daily…
That’s great Carey – I may jump on the Facebook bandwagon here soon…that’s an awesome example of using technology and cultural changes for positive impact. Thanks for commenting.
Sam
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Sam,
I understand your reasons, and I actually resisted it until I was asked to research its viability for educational purposes. I could write you a book on the things I dislike about it (I actually did write a report), but every once in a while, something really cool happens. I’ve rediscovered friends I had nearly forgotten I had, and I’ve had moments of tremendous pride seeing people I have long loved and respected (including you, sir) become great men and women. I’ve even connected with people I really disliked (ok – hated) when we were children and discovered new friends. For those reasons, I can easily tolerate Facebook.