Just wanted to thank everyone for the feedback on the Facebook idea put out there a few days ago. It was not surprising to see the extremes in the responses everyone shared...I completely understand where everyone is coming from regardless of whether they be pro or con.
First, I want everyone to know that my intent was not to propose a dilution of what we all enjoy today. This is an amazing place that I spend an inordinate amount of time on! Instead, I see FB as more of a compliment to, not replacement of, Net54. As many have posted, simply having a standalone FB page could/should increase visibility of what we're doing here and bring new members who can join our tight-knit community.
My original thought with regards to FB was a little more than a standalone page, though. It dawned on me that I was going to the White Plains show on Sunday and it would be cool if other members knew I was there (I still haven't officially met anyone in person from the board yet!). Even if no one else was there, if anyone needed anything or just wanted to get a sense of what the show was like (attendance, guest signers, etc), a simple post and maybe a few pictures would be nice to share with the group while there.
I completely agree with those posting about security concerns. There are many on this board who don't participate, or who closely guard their identities over concerns about protecting their collections. I get it and respect those folks without question. Then there are some, like me, who like to think of themselves as more "social" and, judging from the pro comments in this thread, would see participating in a FB as no big deal. It's these folks I was targeting with the original thread.
Getting back to the security angle, I would think no one who isn't a Net54 member in good standing could be part of any FB group. I also wouldn't want anyone outside of the group to be able to see anything more than that we exist and point them to Net54 if they are interested in vintage cards/memorabilia. Obviously, no one would be forced to participate...it would just be for that part of the membership that "likes" this kind of thing...
Lastly, this is ultimately up to Leon as this is his board and he runs a damn fine ship. My intent was not to propose anything that would diminish Net54 in any way, shape or form. Like everyone else, it would be great to identify and attract more folks who do what we do, love what we love and share in our obvious passion for cards and memorabilia. Whether that is with a standalone FB page, a more robust FB presence or nothing on FB at all, I just wanted to throw the concept out there. Take it for what its worth...Matt