Facebook vs. Twitter
Friday, May 22,2009

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This post was provided by our friend Cheryl Hughey of Cheryl Hughey Promotions, LLC.
Find out more about the services she offers here: www.myspace.com/cherylhugheypromotions

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Many artists have been experimenting with the newer social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
I thought I’d take a moment to overview some important concepts...

Facebook=Branding

• Remember: Whatever you post is viewable by everyone in your circle (unless you change the security settings)
• Avoid politics or emotionally charged subjects that are outside the music community.   You are what you post.
• Facebook games/surveys:  Be selective in what you participate in and publish.  Too much of anything is not good.
• Don’t forget: The media is watching you.  Whatever you say is quotable.  Think BEFORE you post.  Is this something you’d really want posted on the evening news?
• A word on privacy.  I STRONGLY suggest that you do not post pictures of your families or references to your exact physical location on these sites.  There are all sorts of indexes out there that enable people to take a little information on you and find your home address.  As you grow as an artist, privacy can be a major issue.

 
About Twitter:  It’s a more casual option that has minimal public interaction.  Folks like John Mayer are using it as sort of a chalkboard for sharing random thoughts.  It affords fans the opportunity to share a piece of you without reciprocal obligation, while Facebook requires that you play nicely and not run with scissors.  HOWEVER, the media loves trolling Twitter for “official” commentary, so do try and make nice with the public.
 
Which do I use for what?
Use Facebook for your official space to smooze with the musical community and fans.
Use Twitter as the freestyle sounding board for creative thought.