Rollin' with the changes!

Be the first person to like this....

As an eCommerce executive, I can say this is a bad idea.

1) - Most work places ban facebook
2) - Many people don't want their friends/family/etc to see what they write on a blog.
3) - I know of many people who have left facebook because it was stressing their marriage.
4) - Facebook has already peaked.

That said, the decision has been made. Adios.

It will definitely help out with multiple log-ins and which posters are actually legit and which ones are trolls.

If you're willing to put a name and face to your posts, this will make it happen.

It's been fun,but this is why I don't comment on the PG.

I agree with Moose.

Bob,
Beyond your "Nobody asked me" segments, I, for one, only come on to read the reader comments and if there is only a fraction of those moving forward, I can't see me reading after today. A least not as often.

I hope I'm wrong, because this is mostly a great site that I enjoy.

Good luck, Bob.

Bob,

I don't have a Facebook account nor do I ever want one. That being said, I understand the PG's decision. Just wanted to thank you for the blog one final time as this will probably be my last post.

Bad idea! I comment rarely but I want nothing to do with facebook. I accidentally got an account several years ago and I've never gone there. I get about six emails a day from them telling me I have messages. I used to read John S when he had a blog. Haven't read once since he moved to facebook.

yes - too bad. and to bad the PG is sugar coating it like its such a genius move.....know why facebook is a multi-billion dollar without advertising or selling you something? all your log-ins, updates postings etc. are all monitored and sold to companies that track your every move....you have no control. this is a sports blog, not a sales tool.

Terrible idea. First off, I won't be able to post from work ever again. But even more importantly, I don't want my real name attached to posts... and unless there is a way to login with Facebook, but post under an alias name, I won't ever post again. I don't want everything I write on here to be Googlable for all eternity by future employers... even though the content is generally mild... it's just not something I want out there under my name.

Sorry, but this will make me stop posting to this great blog.

I think this will hurt the blog's content.

I agree with the majority. I don't know the reason behind it, but I refuse to be part of facebook. I have heard too many negative stories and do not see it as being a better system.

Adios, amigos. You too, cramden (and SteeelVa, wherever you are).

written by Amarillo_Fats, February 12, 2013 - 12:26 PM

It will definitely help out with multiple log-ins and which posters are actually legit and which ones are trolls.

If you're willing to put a name and face to your posts, this will make it happen.
+0


DO you really think so? Do you know how many fake facebook accounts there are out there?

We looked into doing facebook connect for logons to our website. But concerns over fake accounts, marketing, and people being unable to access from work convinced us to go our own path.

I don't understand why companies allow facebook or amazon into their customer base. For the small company (and we all are, compared to those behemoths), nothing good every comes of it.

A bad idea. There are many, many people who refuse to use Facebook for privacy reasons. We have employers who require you to give them your Facebook password when you apply for a job, for god's sake. Even those who do have Facebook accounts are usually blocked from using them at from their workplace. Your comment sections at the PG are going to seriously decline when this is implemented.

Im fine with it. Looking forward to it if you are staying. If you are leaving, take care.

FB pic is a Pirate P currently. Has been for sometime.

Bob,

I'm a major fan of the blog. It's been very stimulating through my rehabilitation ( I'm wondering if this isn't the reason I'm getting better? Hmmm?? LOL) . I have to say, I'm not a fan of FB & don't like the decision. Too many privacy issues. The users information is very public, but yet the corporate access is very private.

If this is the case, I wish you & your blog all the best. It's been real while it lasted.

No offense to the P-G IT staff, but I can't imagine that this will go well.

Since my identity will be exposed tomorrow, I have decided to come clean.

Heartbeatsings is really....

.
.
.
.
.
..millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne

Sorry Bob, after following you for the past 30+ years, this is the end of the line. As the father of 2 teenage daughters, Facebook has been permanently banned in our household.

Good Luck.

*t's too bad the Pirates haven't figured this out. Demand everyone who enters the park have a facebook account prior to entering. It would make the Pirates a lot of money, same as the PG. Fun while it lasted.

No facebook for me. Thanks for letting me throw my two cents worth in, Bob. I'll be reading ....

Um, guys. You can create a FB specifically to comment on the Blog and it wont have any personal info. You dont have to use a personal page. All you would need is an email, similar to most blogs.

I'd gladly meet up for a beer with 99% of the people on this blog, but there's nooooo way in hell I'm giving the other 1% of the whackjobs access to my personal information.

Hopefully Bob ramps up his own writing to make up for the conversation which will almost certainly suffer.

Good luck and thanks for the effort, Bob.

If you're willing to put a name and face to your posts, this will make it happen.

That gets Max's naive comment of the day.

Have you never read that 1/3 to 1/2 accounts on facebook are as fake as Manti's girlfriend?

This is just a cost cutting move by the PG.

Although I'm new to the blog...I enjoyed it immensely. Good Luck Bob..I've enjoyed your work for a looooooong time. Don't have a FB page and don't want one. GREAT READ

Should have used world press instead of facebook. pft.com uses it and people can remain anonymous.

What I hate about the PG face book thing is when you post something you get the pop up telling you that 25 people have commented. I also had an acquaintance of mine see my comment on a political story an called me up to complain.

@bpn8pit - Thanks. Yes you can create a FB alter-ego, if you want.

However, for anti-tech luddites, that may be a lot to ask.

You can also change your FB security settings, so only your FB friends can see your content and personal information. And if you don't have friends, (you know who you are), it iwill be easier still.

At work, you an use a smartphone, if you cannot access FB.

I have no problem with this change.

written by NMR, February 12, 2013 - 12:56 PM


I'd gladly meet up for a beer with 99% of the people on this blog, but there's nooooo way in hell I'm giving the other 1% of the whackjobs access to my personal information.

Nailhead meet hammer.

That's just my thoughts, as well. And I'm pretty sure the 99% could name the 1% in pretty short order.

+100, NMR

I'm not on Facebook nor do I plan to be.

Anyway, Bob, I enjoyed reading and participating on your blog and sure I will miss it. I'm sure I will still read it but I have found myself spending less and less time on the PG web site in general over the past year ... and this change will nothelp.

Thanks

I do not post often, but this too will be my last post.

I do not comment on P-G articles because you need a Facebook account. I will not get a Facebook account.

Bob - Love your blog and I enjoy all the commenters. I am bummed cause I think this move will greatly affect the content.

Go PITT

...
written by TheMoose, February 12, 2013 - 12:25 PM

As an eCommerce executive, I can say this is a bad idea.

1) - Most work places ban facebook
2) - Many people don't want their friends/family/etc to see what they write on a blog.
3) - I know of many people who have left facebook because it was stressing their marriage.
4) - Facebook has already peaked.

That said, the decision has been made. Adios.

Agreed. This isn't as much about putting a real face and name to any comment (since it's easy enough to set up a bogus FB account with anonymous name and photo) but when most workplaces ban FB and most of us comment during typical daytime work hours, it makes it difficult to comment. Plus; who wants their mom, children, boss or other FB contacts knowing every comment made about a sports topic.

It's bad enough with those who comment every 5 seconds about anything that enters their mind. Just what we need, more FB psycho-babble comments to sort through and ignore. This is why I don't use FB for most things even though I have an account to use when I think something is important enough to let my close friends know.

I don't think my wife needs to know that I think Bipolar is full of $hit, or the Pirates are forever effed every time the topic is brought up here. Also, the comments will be less interesting and truthful as most people will not want to be confronted about their opinions by people who wren't intended to read them in the first place (see above).

Bad idea but whatever PG, good luck with that. Someday we'll all be lucky enough to have our toilet flushes connected to FB as well so we can have everyone we know connected to our bowel movements.

Bummer. I'll continue to comment from home but my office blocks anything related to FB so the comments will probably disappear. I guess i'll actually have to work!

Well, that really sucks. cant access facebook from work. i really enjoyed the blog too. oh well, guess this is the end for me too.



You do not need Facebook to access the blog. It can be accessed as always. -- Bob Smizik

Changes on the blog?
I can't imagine why some would have a problem with that..

Farewell then. As the voice of true reason, I will be missed.

Too bad. I've enjoyed this blog ever since you came out of retirement and started it. I will continue reading the blog, perhaps even offer an email once in a while, but I'm not a fan of using Facebook for things outside of Facebook. I just don't trust how they're using my data now, so I don't want it mined any further.

It's been a great 4 years or so. I totally understand the PG's decision, but I'm out.

Bob,

I have to say I hate the facebook move. I read my wife's once a week to see what's going on with the extended family. But I have to sift through scores of rubbish posts to do so which is why I don't have one.

I started reading you, Bruce Keiden, Phil Muzik (sorry if I mangled the spellings) and a host of others when I was back in high school and worked in the Press/PG Circulation department. I really didn't pick up a newspaper until I worked there. I've always enjoyed (but not always agreed with) your views and really enjoyed posting here the past couple of years. I never post a LOT, because I like to make my point, move on and not be redundant.

I'll still read, but for now it is 'so long' to posting here unless something changes in the future. I'd be all for new/different guidelines to post, including providing the PG more info about me, if that's what it takes.

Regards,

-fred

No Facebook for me. See ya Bob.

TheMoose is right

I am on facebook but when you posted here with FB it will show on are walls. When that is done poeple jumps all over your posts that they see on your wall.

No offense to the P-G IT staff, but I can't imagine that this will go well.

One last disagreement with heartbeatsings. Don't blame the IT people. That's like blaming the mechanic for your transmission blowing. A decision like this comes down from "higher up."

I don't think my wife needs to know that I think Bipolar is full of $hit, or the Pirates are forever effed every time the topic is brought up here.

Haha, this is perfect.

Since this is the last day on earth, I'll come clean. Frankly, I don't want my friends, family, and coworkers knowing that I obsessively post on a sports message board every day.

I don't write down and share every comment I make to my buddies when we meet up and BS. I'm certainly not gonna start doing it with strangers.

Will we be able to sign up for a facebook account using the name we are using now? Will everything we post be sent to everyone we have as friends on facebook?
This move probably eliminates me too since I'm an old anolog guy in a digital world.

Most, if not some, of you will be back.

Very sorry to hear this; I have a Facebook account, but never use it. I have no pressing need for an unending string of strangers, many of whom I would not ( urinate) on if they were on fire, knowing my business. A pox upon Facebook.
Well,I enjoyed it while it lasted, and thanks for the opportunity.

Bob, I don't want to join Face Book. I am a private person and Face Book is something that I have chosen to avoid.

I will continue to read the blog. But this will be my last post. I truly will miss sparing with you and my fellow commenters.

Thank you so much for this forum to express how I feel about my favorite teams, all of them start with the name Pittsburgh.

Wow. People are angry!

I dont have facebook, but whatever.

Bob, I love reading your blog and interacting on it, but fear this will be the end of it. I won't post using my FB account and certainly not from a work computer.

If some activity remains after the change perhaps I will consider getting a facebook alter ego so I can comment.

If it doesn't work out I just wanted to say thanks. I've enjoyed the blog tremendously.

Chas

At work, you an use a smartphone, if you cannot access FB.

Nothing like texting a long paragraph or two to a blog via smart phone at work (with a bad data connection to boot) Employers won't frown on that at all and it's soooo easy. At least typing at a keyboard is much easier and can be mixed in with work more secretly. Like I and others have said; content will suffer.

Look at the other FB comments on the PG. How can one effectively articulate an opinion via text through a smart phone unless it's a simple yes or no answer? Could you imagine if I had sent this via smartphone? It probably would have been condensed to: "I don't think so...you moron. ;( ." Is that how people you want it. Sadly, I think it is.

BTW: J/K about the moron thing.

Looks like I will be more productive at work starting tomorrow!

This may be the first topic in which I've enjoyed/agreed with Lauraswife's comments. That was good stuff!

Figures it came on the final day of posting. I was just starting to come around...

...
written by bpn8pitt, February 12, 2013 - 01:25 PM

Most, if not some, of you will be back.

Nope, don't think so. Try again. It'll be a whole new bunch of FB'ers who stop here to leave a line or two as they head off to comment on whatever other things they spend their days commenting on. Meaning; bored housewives and socially networked FB addicts who feel the need to fill your brain with their worthless, unasked for 2 cents like: "I like Big Ben, he's cute..xoxox!"

I have to say, I'm not surprised that so many people are up-in-arms over this. Any time *gasp* change occurs, most people engage in much handwringing and gnashing of teeth.

If the only computer access you have is your work computer, well, then yeah, you're probably screwed.

If that's not the case, use your own computer or a smartphone.

As for the "Noooo way am I putting all my personal information out there on Facebook!" crowd...

Do you have any idea how easy and fast it is to set up a bogus Facebook profile and a corresponding gmail account? Name yourself Bloggy McBloggerstein on Facebook at 123 Main Street in Anytown, USA with your gmail account of This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and you're set.

Geez, you people act like you're required to post your Social Security number and passport photo for each comment. Get a clue.

...
written by Krafty33, February 12, 2013 - 01:39 PM
This may be the first topic in which I've enjoyed/agreed with Lauraswife's comments. That was good stuff!

Figures it came on the final day of posting. I was just starting to come around...

lol..Oh well, sorry we didn't agree more often. Take it easy!

Looks like I will be more productive at work starting tomorrow!

Unfortunately for the PG, this will probably just make the other paper's blog more attractive to all the people currently reading this one.

It might be a small demographic overall, but it doesn't seem like the PG thought that one through.

I only post from time to time but read everyday. I don't have, don't need, don't want, don't have any use for a Facebook account. Reading the posts so far on this subject, it appears that the comments will be down about 97%. I've enjoyed not only Bob's stories but also the links to other stories and, of course, all the comments that followed. What a shame the PG is ruining a good thing. I personally would much rather suffer thru an occasional "meltdown" than have to use something like Facebook.

Thanks for the information and entertainment over the past few years Bob! Best wishes to all!

Bob... any chance you can set up your own server to host your blog and keep the current format?

Bob, Sorry to say that I have to sign off. I don't do Facebook. Too private. I know you will miss my thoughtful, concise but albeit sometimes terse comments as will the rest of your gang I'm sure. I've enjoyed your work for 40 years. Vaya Con Dios.

PS: If you ever need my advice, you know where to find me.

lol..Oh well, sorry we didn't agree more often. Take it easy!

Just a simple difference of philosophies, although I was starting to get more on your level of thinking as it pertains to our bucco's!

OneLittleVictory,

Thank you.

I dont get the spazzing out either. While I understand the work aspect with FB, some of it has to do with putting your name to what you post.

Do you have any idea how easy and fast it is to set up a bogus Facebook profile and a corresponding gmail account?

I just liked Daquido Bazzini and requested to be Bob Nutting and Bob Smizik's friend.

Let Max suggest that everyone who thinks this is a good change by the PG, send Bob a friend request on facebook!!!!!

Good talking to everyone the past 2 or 3 years. This is the end of the line for me.

Bob, if you read this, thanks for everything.

*t's inevitable. USA Today did the same thing within the last six months, ditching their user account comments for Facebook comments.

The problem is I can't access Facebook from work. And I'm not alone. A lot of work sites block Facebook.

Not a big fan of the Facebook method anyway. For one reason, you lose your privacy. For another reason, it takes up much more space (having to view everyone's picture and all).

But, as noted, it's inevitable. Facebook has taken over the world.

Bob, what will you do with all your free time now that you will not need to delete a third of my stupid posts?



Enjoyed it while it lasted. Guess I will have to talk to my wife in the evenings now, after actually working all day!

Do you have any idea how easy and fast it is to set up a bogus Facebook profile and a corresponding gmail account?

Geez, you people act like you're required to post your Social Security number and passport photo for each comment. Get a clue.

A few too many hoops to jump through for me. Setting up 2 fake accounts, for which I have to remember what fake addresses to use just to comment on Bob's blog...Plus, it's only a matter of time before you accidentally comment on something with the "wrong" account, assuming you use the similar passwords. No thanks.

Anyone can be Manti Teo's girlfriend though, you're right.

@bpn

While I understand the work aspect with FB, some of it has to do with putting your name to what you post.

Hey man, my friend Lenay wants to meet you. She's super sexy.

Seriously, its pretty naive to believe that every guy that makes an account for purposes of posting on this blog will be any more real than the name they post under now.

You have to know better than that.

Besides, you just "liked" OneLittleVictory's post outlining how easy it is to set up a fake account, then claimed that people don't want to use Facebook because they have to use their real name.

You see the problem there, right?

NMR

How bout that beer?

@bpn - Better yet, we should catch a game. First round is on me.

Why am I not getting the invite!?!

Bob:

I know the editorial board will be happy I am gone, but I am going to miss posting from time to time.

It's been real.

Good luck

I've already complained to Micco that implementing this system killed the active commenting on other PG blogs (e.g. Pitt football and Empty Netters). I suspect the same will happen here, which is a shame.

Bob, virtually no one is suggesting that it is too difficult to sign up for FB. But myself, and apparently many others, have consciously chosen NOT to do so.

I honestly don't understand why the PG would want to limit the universe of its commenters. This will do nothing but reduce page views. Hopefully, FB is paying the PG well for the right to be gatekeeper. The Washington Post, which frankly has a much larger and more active online presence, seems to do quite well with a simple username/password registration process.

For those who are poo-pooing the general reaction to this. I don't think people are angry, just saddened and disappointed. But I guess your voices will be heard all the louder. Congrats!

NMR

Cool. I like Freeshirt fridays. Pick one out and I'll meet you by Clemente. Richard has to come too. I need a sabrematricians point of view. jarheads like me are easily confused by numbers.

So long SmizBlog, it's been nice. Hope you find your, paradise!

I deleted my facebook account a few years ago. It was okay to keep in touch my college and HS classmates but when it went from .edu to an open forum to anybody with an e-mail account, I had to let it go. When my all of my aunts and friends' parents joined, that was enough for me.

Facebook, Twitter, texting, etc., all signs of the decline of rational conversation, literature, and civilization in general. Replaced by inane, content -free, meaningless jabbering and posturing, signifying nothing.
I realize that I'm a cranky old curmudgeon, but I still prefer substance over the empty shell that is the world of Facebook.
A lazy and clueless decision by the P-G; and not the first!

Bob - I don't know if/how the PG is paying you for this blog. But if you're ever interested in going out on your own and starting a private blog, I can help set you up with an advertising package and some affiliate marketing relationship that would make you a few bucks. You won't get rich, but it'll keep the lights on.

Bob will pick up new people who will provide comments. FB is the way to go!

Well The PG ruined my life once when they stopped selling papers outside of thirty miles of the Burgh and now this.Been nice Smiz but I'm done.So long SteelVA,Richard Bipolarman.Heartbeatings,Meathead and all the rest.

I rarely comment here, but it was nice knowing I could do so whenever I wanted to. So much for that- screw Facebook. Never had it, never will. I have absolutely no clue why anyone over the age of 13 would want to be on it.

I can't believe all this whining. You know what the real problem is? Some people are cowards who don't have the guts to put their real name on what they say. I've always used my real first name when commenting here, and I have no problem having my first and last name on my comments. And having been on Facebook for years, I've never had a single privacy issue crop up. Get with the times, Jethro.

Have enjoyed being able to comment from time to time, but will be dropping off. Dont't do Facebook - even my kids are dropping off it.

Hi Bob: I'll keep reading the blog as always but probably won't comment. I do have a Facebook account but would rather not share all that with folks other than who've i've Friend-ed so to speak.

Marnie in NYC

Get with the times, Jethro.

By not having Facebook, I'd say I'm actually ahead of the times. It has peaked and is now in decline.

@Brant,

That maybe a problem for some. Not me. My real name is attached to twitter and I have no problem expressing the same opinions.

I just have no desire to join facebook again. Period. My problem has nothing to do with anonymity.

If we were allowed to use our twitter to post, I would be all in.

What you lookin' at? You all a bunch of losers. You know why? You don't have the guts to be what you wanna be? You need people like me. You need people like me so you can point your fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." So... what that make you? Good? You're not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don't have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth. Even when I lie. So say good night to the bad guy! Come on. The last time you gonna see a bad guy like this again, let me tell you. Come on. Make way for the bad guy. There's a bad guy comin' through! Better get outta his way!

I will continue to read since I enjoy getting the info on sports in the burg.

It will be interesting to know exactly which one is Bob Nutting. Just kidding.

...
written by Brant, February 12, 2013 - 02:35 PM
And having been on Facebook for years, I've never had a single privacy issue crop up. Get with the times, Jethro.

Also, if the complainers actually took the time to look at the other PG Blogs that have already switched over you will see that you have the capability of not posting your comment to facebook by unselecting the "Post to Facebook" checkbox. Your facebook login and password is all that is needed. Nothing you write shows up on facebook unless you allow it.

I do agree with Bob about enjoying the back and forth; that will be missed. While Bob and I RARELY, if ever, saw eye to on most subjects, it was still fun to interact with him and the many others on here.

I will continue to read the blog posts and comments. But I right now I have no intention of joining facebook a second time.

I used it [facebook] only a few times but never felt an invasion of privacy.

That is about as much as Max has used it, but that's probably why you don't have the same feelings as some others.

For instance, is Stacey Smizik your daughter? Those are cute photos of her and her dog.

That kind of stuff might creep some people out.

Facebook, privacy issues, and identity theft stuff is in the news every week.


BTW - I assume you will still have an all powerful delete key?




Wrong again, Max. I do not have a daughter. -- Bob Smizik

to Brant and Atheist,

The issue has nothing to do with not wanting your name to be known, it has to do with complications that arise. As far as using a bogus name to create an account, how is that any different than not using your name?

I've become a big fan of this blog over the past few years not only because of the topics raised (the Pirates discourse for one thing is unparalleled and has taught me plenty) but for the way Bob mixes it up with his readers. It's refreshing and a multiple-times-a-day read.

But sadly, this will be my last day posting for reasons enumerated above. Just can't do Facebook. I'll still look in to see what you're opining on/people are saying. Good luck!

Thanks to all the posters--almost like a large dysfunctional family. And thanks Bob, for the kind sendoff and for running the blog. I'll take you up on that beer one day. Ever go to Gooski's in Polish Hill?

I, like others, can't see FB posts at work. Productivity at some offices in and around Pittsburgh will skyrocket.

I have no interest in joining FB, fake or real account.

If I check in from home, it will be interesting to see what a bunch of teenage girls have to say about the Buccos rotation or Steeler offensive play calling.

See ya.

white shadow,


Again, if you have a privacy concern but still want to comment, go ahead and use an alternate FB account.

probably going to use my real one. I understand people not wanting to use their private one.


Honestly I feel a lot of you will return with the same names under a different FB account.

Count me among the anti-Facebook crowd. I'll never have an account but maybe I'll sign my dog up for an account and let him post a few comments from time to time.

I enjoy the blog. Thanks, Bob!

would have preferred it stay the way it is but saw the writing on the wall. Seems most are defaulting to FB for comments.

Unfortunately, while it's true i can still read the blog from work, i wont be able to see the comments or post my own. i dont post much anyway, but part of the fun of the blog is to read the comments and now i wont even be able to see them.

@bpn

I'm guessing the majority of office internet filters block social media sites. I know mine does. Seeing as 90% of my posting is done at work, I doubt I'll go through the effort.

Keep in touch on the other site.

A couple of additional comments...

I don't know how the PG implements their Facebook logins. Some sites that require Facebook allow you to choose a different name to post under. However, I've seen people comment on PG news stories and their FB name is available to see by anybody regardless of their privacy settings as far as I can tell.

Secondly, for those saying to make up a dummy FB account... technically that is a violation of FB policy as you are required to use your real name. Now I could invent a fake name, but that's a bit ridiculous. I couldn't use ItsMyLife, I'd have to use something resembling a real name. Maybe I will do that ultimately, but it's a real PITA and it could be deleted at any time.

Regardless of that, it's still going to hurt traffic is FB is heavily banned in the workplace as has been pointed out. And anyone who suggests a smartphone is kidding themselves. Anyone who's tried to enter a post on this site with a smart phone has probably contemplated jumping off the Clemente Bridge during the process.

Why the PG has to ruin something that brings a large amount of readers to their site is beyond me. As if the newspaper business wasn't struggling enough, they have to undermine one of the few areas where they've been successful and offered real meaningful content.

@lupesanchez,

Did NOT expect to see a Gooski's reference on Bob's blog.

You do have a friend named Stacey Smizik, from Pittsburgh, who lives in Marina del Ray; Max was just giving Bob a chance to say wrong again!

Niece? Wife of son, Scott?

Wife of Steve, with the 2 boys and black dog?

See how it might get creepy if Max wasn't such a nice guy?

Since I’m out, and things are changing on the PG site, here’s a tip to see PG+ posts free.

The PG+ allows a couple of “free” looks at articles posted. If you clear your internet history, you can start all over. Now, I only know this works with Windows, but I’m sure this can be done with other OS.

For Windows, open Internet Options, in the Browsing History, click delete. Make sure all values are checked, except Passwords, it’s not needed.

I'm sure alot of people already knew this, but I hope this helps some people out there. Although, I’m guessing it will change soon as well.

I rarely post on here, and do have a facebook account, but despite how some describe how you can 'change the settings', I don't trust it enough to post through there.

Just wanted to say I appreciate the blog, will keep reading and wanted to at least put a post saying as much.

Take care!

I am a bit surprised at how disliked Facebook is. I had no idea. I've had a Facebook account for at least five year. I used it only a few times but never felt an invasion of privacy.

I don't mind my "friends" seeing information I directly post on Facebook (ie- status updates, photos, etc).

What I don't like is having Facebook change a policy where all of sudden, somebody could visit my Wall and dig around a bit and find every comment I've ever posted on the PG, ESPN, or whatever other outlet uses the Facebook authentication. Especially if said digger is a potential employer.

That's my 2 cents for what it's worth. If your bosses ever investigate an alternative, someone suggested looking at how sites like frankthetank.wordpress.com or "the other Pittsburgh paper" both use gravatar.com.

I still plan to read your blog daily, Bob. You have the best all-round Pittsburgh based sports blog. Don't change how you go about finding topics. It's the variety that's kept me coming back.

To all: I am saddened, but not surprised by the decision of many to stop commenting.

If USA Today is any indication, your volume of comments will eventually be the same, if not more.

You'll just pick up a different type of audience.

I'd venture most of your current audience is mostly non-Facebook. (Not necessarily that they don't have Facebook accounts, just that they don't frequently go to Facebook and / or don't post on it very often).

I'm on the fence about this. I do so love this blog. It is one of my favorite things in to do the precious few free moments that I have (have 3 small kids). Plus, I truly have respected Bob's views as a columnist since my days as a paperboy for the Press. I walked into more than a few parked cars reading his column during delivery.

I am a teacher and have always been told to be wary of facebook. I wouldn't be too excited about all of my comments being associated with my true identity (Superman). As with all things there are a few comments that I wouldn't mind having back. At least under anonymity, I feel less embarassed of those rare misfires.

Oh well, we'll see.

@jethro

Haha, my pleasure. It's a great place--fantastic jukebox and easy on the wallet. I don't make it back to Pittsburgh too much these days, but it's always a stop when I do.

Secondly, for those saying to make up a dummy FB account... technically that is a violation of FB policy as you are required to use your real name. Now I could invent a fake name, but that's a bit ridiculous. I couldn't use ItsMyLife, I'd have to use something resembling a real name. Maybe I will do that ultimately, but it's a real PITA and it could be deleted at any time.

Correct. If they catch you, they can nuke your legit account too (I've had that happen to some of my friends in the past). I don't know how they get caught, but I've never tried a fake account myself.

written by b_smizik, February 12, 2013 - 02:30 PM

To all: I am saddened, but not surprised by the decision of many to stop commenting.

I am a bit surprised at how disliked Facebook is. I had no idea. I've had a Facebook account for at least five year. I used it only a few times but never felt an invasion of privacy.

Since it looks like I won't be hearing from many of you, let me offer my thanks for your contributions to the blog. I've enjoyed the comment section and have learned from it. A lot of smart people out there. It was fun going back and forth and being challenged.

I'd love to meet some of you. If you ever meet at a Pirates game or a bar, let me know. The first rounds on me.

I'm not going away and plan to handle the blog in the same manner I have in the past.

Again, all my thanks. -- Bob Smizik

So, 1984 comes to the Post-Gazette Blogs in 2013.

The government is watching and organizing all social media outlets--a very disturbing development:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mi...movements/

I will no longer comment on this blog due to privacy concerns. Most other current contributors will also be gone forever. Therefore Mr. Smizik, while your blog may survive, it will never be the same.

I will take you up on the offer of the beer, if the appropriate occasion ever arrives.

Actually, I more than welcome the coming change.

Being that people will not be as "anonymous", I think decorum will improve.
Fewer attacks.
Less back and forth (for hours).

Those who have a problem with this due to employers digging around, I get that. Others, I think you are angry/sad/disappointed that you wont be able to bully people anymore.

Look forward to the changes.
Change can be good, if you allow it to be.

Never knew the Luddite movement was so strong here in the world of cyber space.

If all of the anonymous posters here believe they are really anonymous, time to do some research. The Post Gazette has a fairly good idea who you are, and anyone with too much time on their hands could probably figure it out. There is very little privacy on the internet and the switch to Facebook will not make it worse. The choice appears to be switch to Facebook or put up with limitations that frequently take the blog offline. Seems like an easy choice. Besides there is always the U.S. Postal Service, maybe Bob can post a P.O. box for those that are swearing off the change.

I predict a fairly steep decline in comments and activity on the blog, since most business networks block access to social networking sites such as Facebook.
I'm sure it wasn't your decision, Bob, but it will most likely have a negative impact on participation.

Sorry to hear about this. Wish the P-G would've used Disqus or another commenting system.

I'm with Moose. Both myself and the company I used to own were early adopters of social media. Blogging since 2002, first wave of Twitter, big Klout score, top 100 'most influential social media' in Pgh market. I used to speak on this stuff at national conferences for my industry.

I quit my personal FB account in 2010 due to significant privacy concerns.

It's true it would take nothing to set up another fake gmail account in order to get a new fake FB account. I have a hard enough time remembering all the sign ins for my current alter egos - none of which currently have a FB account.

It may come my getting a fake account as I already can't comment on a bunch of ESPN stories that have moved to FB for commenting (oddly, ESPN uses either FB or it's own system depending on the story - it hasn't been a full migration).

OTOH, it may free up enough time where I can actually take on some projects like cleaning the basement...

But for now, I'll pass. It's been interesting and sometimes even fun. Thanks Bob for hosting this party.

I think decorum will improve.

Haha, says the guy on his third alias...

To those of you dropping off, my best to you.

Thanks for the back and forth.

No Facebook here either. Too many privacy concerns. Plus, it seems like its made for the kiddies.

Anyone here know of a decent all sports blog site in Pittsburgh? I know of team related ones but not general ones.

Some more information on Raytheon Riot:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mi...movements/

Given the timing, the Post-Gazette is either willfully cooperating with 'Big Brother Government' or has been coerced into cooperating.

Well, I guess this means I am done with this blog. No facebook for me, ever. It was a fun time though Mr Smizik.

Here is the link I meant to place regarding Raytheon RIOT (and another):

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/...340,00.asp

http://www.zdnet.com/raytheon-...000011191/

Basically, the government needs the social media communication options 'coned down' in order to track, errr 'protect', us.

Why the Post Gazette is cooperating, I do not know.

couple thoughts.

as for privacy concerns, i don't put anything on facebook that i don't want the rest of the world to know about. nothing compels you to put anything there.

not sure how i will participate in the future. for sure i will continue to read the blog but i will miss many of the commenters if they chose to not to post. the rich diversity of opinions and the quality of the blog will suffer as a result.

i really don't see the problem that this is supposedly correcting. i don't read many of the other community voices blogs, but bob's monitoring generally has kept the tone here fairly civil. if someone feels the need to log in under multiple IDs to comment here and "prove" a point, they really are in desperate need of a life.

to those of you who chose not to post under the new rules, you will be missed. thanks for your contributions in making this a great read for me.

Thanks for the heads-up. I will continue to read since I have enjoyed you for decades, but this will be the last comment I post, as I am not a fan of facebook.

Excellent Bob, Love it!!

See you tomorrow!

Jeffrey Wazenegger

We are big on Facebook because of having three daughters with lots of pictures and comments of the Grandchildren, it is great for that.

See you on Facebook....

Bob sorry to hear of the FB conversion. I don't do FB, never have and I don't plan on doing so in the future. It's not because of any privacy issues or having to make up fake ID's. It just comes down to I don't want or need a FB account and truthfully your blog just isn't enough of an incentive for me to join.

I have curtailed by posting significantly in the last few months but as baseball season rolls around I probably would have started to posted on a more regular basis. As one of your main antagonists for what seemed like a short period of time I will miss our back and forth. Truth be told our (some time heated) conversations were the main reason I enjoyed your blog and why I continued to post. Without the ability to post the right side of the PBC argument I probably won't even stop by to read because I really don't use your blog for Pirates news.

So this is good bye for me but as always......... Letsgobucs

Bob:

Why do you need the Post-Gazette (other than a pay-check)?

Are you contractually prohibited from forming your own blog independent of the Post-Gazette?

I think you people are attributing far too much to this move by the PG.

This is a cost cutting move, pure and simple. They had trouble maintaining the system, and outages and slow response are embarrassing.

There will also be more moves to pay sites.

As for the guy looking for other sports blogs, there is another major paper in Pittsburgh, you know . . .

And with younger, less grumpy reporters, in most cases!

Goodbye forever Bob

*t's very revealing that the msjority of the non-FB users are the very ones that have made this blog a rousing success. Whether the topic is baseball, football, basketball, or hockey, most of the discussions have been civil and quite interesting.

When USA today went solely to only FB users, the quality of the discussions diminished greatly. I believe the same will happen here. I am not a FB user and never will be.

I find it difficult to comprehend that as a citizen of the one country in the world that espouses individual freedom, and especially freedom of speech, that I am required to 'join a club' in order to have my voice heard.

No thanks.

I do not have a Facebook account, nor do I want to establish one, so it's ta ta for me as well. It's been fun.

Well, there goes the best part of this blog... until the P-G sees how few pagehits they're getting (which is used to drive advertising $$).

Oh, and you think you have some knuckleheads commenting now? Wait til you see what you get with the new format. Have fun with that.

I have a FB account, but I don't know that I will continue here. I guess time will tell. At any rate, to all of my fellow participants, thank you...it's been a blast. To Bob...thank you for providing a wonderful source for expressing opinions on sports. I will continue to read, just not sure about posting.

For those of you who are going away, I genuinely wish you the best, even those of you who annoyed me/I disagreed with.

I have checked in to this blog multiple times a day, every day for the last...well, however long Bob has had this blog. I have truly enjoyed the interaction with every last one of you.

I hope to see you on the Facebook edition of the blog. If not, cheers, and happy trails to you all.

Respectfully,

Rob (aka - OneLittleVictory) :-)

One more while I can...hiddenvigorish is 100% correct. The few discussions I've had on FB have deteriorated into nothing but name calling and insults. I hope this doesn't go that way. Thanks again Bob.

Sadly I am among those who cannot access facebook at work and honestly access it about four times each year, but I'll probably make a Ketel One Up account so I can check the comments out on weekend posts and hopefully Bob will time the Pirates prediction post to a weekend so I can participate.

Will still be reading Bob's entries daily until my work takes that away too...

And so facebook sinks it's slimey tendrils in a little deeper. Join the "look-at-me" collective or die. Check your basement for alien pods.

Last one out, turn off the lights.

Thank you, Robert.

While I will be able to read the articles, the likelihood of me using Facebook is highly unlikely.

And, frankly, I am mad as hell that they have chosen to go this way.

Its been fun Bob and all...enjoy.

Tis been a good journey, but we must sail on...

LongJohnSilver

Think a lot of people are jumping to conclusion here, expect that most will change their minds if they check into the actual details of this change....

If this actually goes into place, many may cancel the P-G print edition too. Ah well print is dead anyway

After reading all the posts here, I have no doubt that after a few weeks, the PG will drop the facebook requirement. This blog will take a major hit in regards to viewership. Money talks(and advertisers pay the bills)

Btw, before I leave, I forgot to congratulate Kevin Morris on using "inculcate" on another thread from earlier today. I'd forgotten about that word years ago and happy to see it resurface!

Also just wanted to say something about "luddites". I imagine some here are when it comes to FB. I'm certainly not. My objection isn't what the P-G knows or doesn't know about me. Nor is it a need to be anonymous in order to say something meanspirited.

It's about having an aggregator (FB) that I don't trust at all fetching my data from dozens of sites where I comment, and distributing that content and data to places I don't want it to go. I already have Google doing that (the accuracy of their ad servers frightens me sometimes). Anyway, one is enough. And the cost/benefit of Google is a net positive for what I do. FB most assuredly is not.

Thanks once again, Bob. Best of luck.

-Nick

written by Max, February 12, 2013 - 05:15 PM

I think you people are attributing far too much to this move by the PG.

This is a cost cutting move, pure and simple. They had trouble maintaining the system, and outages and slow response are embarrassing.

There will also be more moves to pay sites.

As for the guy looking for other sports blogs, there is another major paper in Pittsburgh, you know . . .

And with younger, less grumpy reporters, in most cases!

i really don't see how this would save the pg any money. the cost of hosting a website isn't all that great, and the traffic that bob brings to the pg site more than makes up that cost (if you run a site, you know that eyeballs are critical financially to your success). bob might be occasionally grumpy but there are few reporters around with bob's institutional memory of the pittsburgh sports scene. nothing against the other guys in town (i read them too) but for me, at least, that's priceless.

Thank you Bob for establishing this forum for sports commentary. I've truly enjoyed reading and participating. Facebook? No thank you. So Happy Trails to all!

Bob, I'll look for you at McKechnie Field this spring. Lunch is on me.

Disappointed to hear the news. It has been enjoyable commenting on here even with people I've disagreed with. Pittsburgh has passionate sports fans.

Best of luck to everyone.

Thanks for everything Bob.

What a shame.

I enjoyed jumping in from time to time and having a good debate with other posters but I'm not going to FB so looks like this is good-bye.

That does it for me. I thoroughly enjoyed commenting and venting after Steelers games on this great blog. I always felt social media like facebook was for idiots...I'll never change.

Best part was watching SteelVa get 86'd then reappear a few weeks later when Bob took him off probation.

Thanks Bob...it's been a great ride.

Thanks to all for some fun and spirited debates. I enjoyed my time here talking sports. I could certainly use a fake facebok account I guess but balancing that with a real account just to chat here seems a bit much, and I refuse to use my personal account. Especially since I do most of work from an iPad. Too many obstacles.

I get why the PG is going this route just have no interest myself, change isn't always bad, I'm all for advances and ease in technology this doesn't interest me much.

Bob,
Thanks for the blog and chatting, it was a pretty good place to talk sports. Enjoyed it and wish you and everyone here the best of luck.

I am going to observe for a while before I decide if I am going to participate. I have posted on a couple of sites that use Facebook, and did not like the fact that your personal life is on display.

Having said that...

Mr. Smizik... Thank you so much for providing this venue over the last several years. You are a consummate professional, and the great city of Pittsburgh is lucky to have you representing the sports scene we love so much. Thanks Bob!

I just wanted to say one more time thanks to everyone who I have had many spirited conversations over the years. It was always fun no matter what.

Bob when I attend some Bucco games this summer I will shoot you an email and we can grab a beer.

Goodbye everyone.

I second jpk's sentiments. I've enjoyed reading and posting, even when blogmaster Bob black penciled my comments.
Since I won't have another opportunity to express my appreciation, thanks for running a great blog Bob!.

If you have a Facebook account, you can create a separate identity if interested.

I'll probably post as my cat.

This blog is one of the few sites I check every day other than my email although I don't comment much. I'll still be following but it appears I'm in the majority regarding not being on facebook. Hopefully there will be a revision to the policy down the road.

Very classy post Bob. I will miss reading all the posts and my ability to post on my lunch break in my office at work.

I didn't even read the comments ...

This is DATA MINING!

Don't even say it is being done for tech reasons, this is being done to get more advertising dollars PLAIN AND SIMPLE!

Looks like I found out about the going-away party late.

I'll add my vote to the majority and vow not to use Facebook. Yes, I know you can create another account, yada, yada, but I do not like Facebook one bit for all the reasons previously stated and will not contribute to its furtherance.

I assume we'll still be able to see the comments, but without the presence of those who are dropping out, and not being able to identify some of those who don't, will we want to?

I'll certainly watch to see what the quality becomes (I sense it will go down). Regardless, I'll continue to read the posts themselves. After all, Bob always writes (and turns up) interesting stories.

Bob, I've told you many times how much I've enjoyed your writing and your interaction with your audience. It takes a lot of work and thought to please everyone, but I think you've done a pretty good job.

Lastly, although I've seen many views I didn't agree with for one reason or another over the years, I do think that the intelligence and civility of most around here is light years ahead of the comments on sites like ESPN where by and large, lunkheads seem to congregate.

So this being my last line of input, I say best wishes to all of you.

Thanks...of course I already have my fake FB page all set up.

And BTW....the rest of you guys get back to work!

No wonder American productivity is in the toilet...LOL

this is the end of bob's blog as we know it.

the blog was simply the most erudite and egalitarian sports spot on the internet.

there was only one rule: don't be a flaming negative jerk.

thanks, bob, for a wonderful ride.

This is happening all over America with public blogs because so many sucker bought FB stock that they hope this move will improve hits on FB and drive up the price so they can unload it.

THIS--->

i really don't see the problem that this is supposedly correcting.

I assume that this reduces costs and/or increases revenue for the PG (but I don't get how the latter would be true with significantly decreased page views). Maybe someone else that seems to understand why the PG is doing this (chollister? RichW?) can explain to the rest of us.

Otherwise, good luck to Bob and his blog in its 2.0 version.

Bob, Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

Clear eyes, full hearts- Can't lose.

Bob, since this is my last post, I predict the Pirates to break the streak this year. 84-78, our long national nightmare will finally be over. K-DRO hits 40 home runs, and Cutch wins MVP. Utility man Neil Walker makes the All Star team.

It's been fun.

I would absolutely regret not thanking the other commenters here. Thanks for helping me learn more about the sports we all love so much, and thank you for broadening my perspectives on the subject. I will miss the exchange. Best wishes.

Jeff

I realize I said goodbye above, but I do want Bob to know that I do appreciate his work and this blog, though I've probably been too acerbic and critical of his opinions on many occasions.

Here's to his credit for most often taking the high road. I know it's probably difficult to do with all the rascals on here.

written by jethro, February 12, 2013 - 08:52 PM

I assume that this reduces costs and/or increases revenue for the PG (but I don't get how the latter would be true with significantly decreased page views). Maybe someone else that seems to understand why the PG is doing this (chollister? RichW?) can explain to the rest of us.

Here's one potential answer: fewer trolls.
http://gigaom.com/2013/01/28/h...-websites/

Whether there's more to it or not I can't say (e.g. ad revenue). But the obvious benefit to FB is that most users won't click the box that says not to post this content on their own FB page, so FB gets more content, thus more value by some screwed up algorithm.

As the article states, there are tech blogs who used FB that are pulling out while more traditional media (and more page views) are coming on board. I don't know the costs, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's free.

Jethro
One there are less costs involved on overall platforms for websites with this much traffic, blogs and article commenting. Basically Facebook log in provides you the entire system than having to keep your own, including probably some staff and maintaining. A lot of websites go this route. Not sure if there is revenue from Facebook back or not, but it's a good business model for Facebook, grow some users and also increase usage and traffic of their own users, for all I know Facebook might kick some ad fees and clicks back to the post gazette.

With the world moving all digital and social including lots of marketing, it's better for regionalized sites to get some exposure from say my Facebook friends recognizing a blog I comment or participate in.

I completely get why the post gazette is doing this. For me, being 33 I am smack in the middle if youth and over bearing social usage and past my prime and against this idea totally.

I have two twitter accounts, one for personal use and one for business. I follow and post completely different types. It's a pain to manage, so I don't feel comfortable trying to manage two facebook accounts for the sole purpose of posting here.

I simply don't want my real name on here ever, it's not a good thing for me so I will probably bail.

Like I said I get the reasons, even if is just for some minor savings, but am disappointed. No ill will or complaining, change is good for most companies, people always resist. Who would have thought that one day sports teams would embrace and encourage scalping out tickets through them via online where tickets get emailed to the buyer we never know!

Maybe one day I will break down and figure it out. For now I enjoyed the discussion here and thank everyone and Bob. It was a really good blog for discussing and not only of over zealous author opinion that this city has become full of, Bob posted an article, gave his thoughts and we discussed on a wide variety of topics.

I avoid Dejan and his strange turn to cocky and loud twitter troll, I avoid Madden for obvious reasons. I'll still read but not a lot of places I want to engage in talk.

Thanks again Bob, I'll buy you a beer if I run into you.

.
Go figure. I get wrapped up for 1 day at work at an all-day offsite....and this blog goes to heck in a handbasket with Facebook. I understand; it wasn't your call, Bob. I'll try to continue posting as I am able, but Facebook is just a big deterrent for all the valid reasons that have already been posted here.

Thanks guys. Still not sure I'm convinced of anything more than a marginal benefit to the PG for doing this. But it is obviously not my call (or Bob's).

This quote from the article RichW linked to seems very appropriate here:

There’s no doubt that software design and features do influence community behaviors, but not as much as decent community management and personal engagement from journalists does.

I think we all agree that Bob has provided more than "decent community management" so I again have to agree with the "solution in search of a problem" thought posted above.

Oh well. We will all survive and find another outlet for our random sports thoughts.

Just echoing many others that I won't be commenting thru facebook. I wish the blog the best. Thanks to Bob for allowing my posts and to others who read them. I will try to keep reading the blog and enjoying the comments.

Didn't this same type of move kill Steigerwald's Blog?

I've had a Facebook account for at least five year. I used it only a few times

You admit that you've only used Facebook a few times over the last 5 years, yet we now have to get accounts?

I'd love to meet some of you. If you ever meet at a Pirates game or a bar, let me know. The first rounds on me.

I'm going to hold you to that.

The "golden age" of Facebook, the time when people felt like they were part of something fun and new has been long dead.

Anyway, I have many complaints about Facebook, but most have been voiced at some point in this thread. I'll probably stick around but am going to miss many of the regulars. So long fellas, it's been fun. I'm really worried that the content is going to suffer without that familiarity, and not being able to post at work is going to kill things around here. So it goes.

I'll hope for the best for now.

Again, thanks to all for the kind words and the good times over the past four years. The blog, for me, was living proof you're never too old to learn.
I will carry on as best I can.

Looks like the squeaky wheel isn't getting the grease this time.

No FB for me. Enjoy reading so I will look to see how it sets up under the new format but, no more commenting for me. Good Luck to all.

This is my last comment, as well. I would NEVER enter the "Facebook world." Terrible idea. I'm sure financial considerations play a huge part in this short-sighted, user-unfriendly decision. Good-bye!

Here's a synopsis of all the complaining....WAH! WAH! I wont be able to anoymously attack others and flame anymore. WAH!

Kudos to the PG for choosing this new format. People will have to be more thoughtful and respectful in their comments if their names and faces are attached to them.

And honestly, the "facebook world" you all supposedly fear can be whatever you make it. Only the people you want can look at your stuff, you dont have to friend anyone, and honestly you coluld just make a "mule" account to post with anyway. Good lord, get over it!

And right before it is time to defend my title on the winning Pirate predictions! I shall have to think on this, but if one of my kids can help me set up a dummy account I may carry on.

Facebook is the only known literary device by which people can get kudos for immortal breaking news like "I'm on my way to Burger King, where you at?" Papa Hemingway must be spinning in his grave!

So, I thought it was starting today?

Good luck with the blog Bob. I enjoyed the give and take with some of the posters.

For all u guys afraid of privacy issues on Facebook, it is not a big deal. Just go to Yahoo mail (or somewhere like that) and create a fake ID for an email account. Use that account on Facebook. No need to give out any personal information. It is that simple.

@Ath Eist - Bob said sometime today. It doesn't mean at the stroke of midnight. The same thing happened at USA Today. I believe it was mid-afternoon when they finally made the switch over.

As an eComm professional, I've attended meetings with google, microsoft, and facebook execs (to name a few).

With Facebook, the execs are proud of the fact that they rely on their user community to test for them. They have no QA team, no UAT team, they just get the developers happy with the code, then roll it out to the general public.

Of course, that's one of the main reasons that people hate facebook. It's seen as buggy, prone to problems, and doesn't work right. Including your privacy settings. And they're subject to change at any given time due to the whims of the developers.

If you're not concerned about facebook privacy, then you don't know the first thing about internet security. Their policies change regularly, as they try to monetize the "like" button, and their implementations of their policies are very inconsistent.

I'd say that the more you understand how Facebook works, the less you trust them with your personal information.

(** This post was in reply to those who believe that anyone with an objection to using facebook is a luddite **)

As an eComm professional, I've attended meetings with google, microsoft, and facebook execs (to name a few).

With Facebook, the execs are proud of the fact that they rely on their user community to test for them. They have no QA team, no UAT team, they just get the developers happy with the code, then roll it out to the general public.

Of course, that's one of the main reasons that people hate facebook. It's seen as buggy, prone to problems, and doesn't work right. Including your privacy settings. And they're subject to change at any given time due to the whims of the developers.

If you're not concerned about facebook privacy, then you don't know the first thing about internet security. Their policies change regularly, as they try to monetize the "like" button, and their implementations of their policies are very inconsistent.

I'd say that the more you understand how Facebook works, the less you trust them with your personal information.

The fake ID will work. It is, as mentioned, a violation of the FB TOS, and can be deleted. It also is a PITA, to remember to log on to a fake ID for posting only to a blog. It's just not worth the effort for me.

(** This post was in reply to those who believe that anyone with an objection to using facebook is a luddite **)

Bob, your true followers will not desert you or your blog. One has to wonder what kinds of employment these guys have that allows them to surf the PG blogs all day long. There might be a bunch of employers out there wondering the same. Picking on Facebook is not going to solve anyone's security issues, many of your followers have probably had more than their secret PG blog identity stolen over the past couple of years. I am very careful with my data and have had credit card, debit card and bank info stolen, from companies that I trusted and have where I have spent tens of thousands of dollars. My bank, PNC has been attacked now for months on end and my email accounts have been compromised and all I get is a letter saying how "sorry" everyone is about the breach. I have never had an issue with Facebook. Those that are claiming to abandon the PG blog out of concern for privacy should also abandon the grid completely to be perfectly safe.

Now how them pitchers and catchers!!!

I expected unhappiness and many people leaving over this decision. I never expected the rancor directed at Facebook.

I have provided far more important information about myself to my bank, several credit card companies, prescription providers, etc. without a problem. I regularly am forced to give my Social Security number to people I do not know.

All I provide Facebook is a name and secondary e-mail account. I don't get the concern. -- Bob Smizik

As I said, it is more about the claptrap with me. Should that be avoidable with a sham account I'm in.

My experience with Facebook is that much of what way too many people post is not even the equivalent of what is forced out of a constipated rotund rodent's rear recepticle!

Bob - Its not just the info, Facebook has a stigma of causing a lot of relationship issues amongst other things. Facebook has opened up a Pandora's Box of troubles for lots of people.

I know a lot of peoples significant others may find some cause for concern in having a second "anonymous" facebook account. I understand that anyone who is going to do something inappropriate could do it with out FB, like I said, the stigma has been attached and causes lots of people concerns.

written by johngaltx, February 13, 2013 - 10:30 AM
Bob, your true followers will not desert you or your blog. One has to wonder what kinds of employment these guys have that allows them to surf the PG blogs all day long. There might be a bunch of employers out there wondering the same. Picking on Facebook is not going to solve anyone's security issues, many of your followers have probably had more than their secret PG blog identity stolen over the past couple of years. I am very careful with my data and have had credit card, debit card and bank info stolen, from companies that I trusted and have where I have spent tens of thousands of dollars. My bank, PNC has been attacked now for months on end and my email accounts have been compromised and all I get is a letter saying how "sorry" everyone is about the breach. I have never had an issue with Facebook. Those that are claiming to abandon the PG blog out of concern for privacy should also abandon the grid completely to be perfectly safe.

John,
With that record of compromised accounts (which is assuredly not normal), I wish you the best of luck with FB

Or maybe Facebook doesnt bother to notify you as they arent exactly caring about keeping your business the way PNC Bank would be.

Bob, your true followers will not desert you or your blog. One has to wonder what kinds of employment these guys have that allows them to surf the PG blogs all day long.

How many people at a desk job actually work 24 / 7 ? Maybe a few but I can't imagine many. Now I'll grant you that some people spend too much time breaking between work and non-work, and you're right that companies are constantly striving to find the happy medium. It's a delicate balance of what should be blocked and what shouldn't be blocked. I know one friend's company that restricts internet use to 10 minutes per hour. But that, too, can be very problematic when you're surfing the web for actual work related problems and it takes more than 10 minutes to solve the problem. Basically it's like baseball & PEDs. Players are constantly trying to get an edge and baseball is constantly trying to thwart off the activity.

Have not heard bad things about Facebook, I have an account and have had it for several years.

The people that I see are only the ones I have invited on my page, Family, Friends and some Associates. My teenage grandkids don't use Facebook, the text each other constantly on the phone. If anyone on my page posts too many things or is annoying, I can hide them. I don't understand the problem here, think it is imagined.

Even if you already have a facebook account, you can make up another one using another name as long as you change your email. I did it already, I don't want some of the nutjobs on here to have any access to my real identity or that of my friends and family.

I won't add any friends to that profile either.

Wishing you the best with the new format, Bob. This is my last post.

I will continue to read, although not as frequently.

Bob, if the new method is never going to work then you should just continue to post new blogs here. Don't let them hold you hostage!