11-011

I have been noticing that a lot of people I barely see -- ie: the people with whom I am "friends" with on Facebook but would probably not converse with if we ran into each other at an empty restaurant -- are the ones most likely to "recommend" that I like things on Facebook.  For those unfamiliar with the concept of Facebook liking, it is what used to be called "becoming a fan," but liking is a more downplayed version of that.  For example, I am not a fan of yams.  But do I like yams?  Sure, why not!

On a daily basis, I receive notifications that High School Acquaintance #45 recommends that I like Random Business #890.  I'm sure some people would jump at the chance to like something they don't know anything about, but that is just not my style.  In order for me to like something or someone -- on Facebook or otherwise -- I kind of want to feel like I know what that something or someone is, in case, you know, I am called to testify in court and the following situation occurs:

Lawyer: Is it true that you like Random Business #890?

Me: No...  Well, I mean, yes, on Facebook.  But I don't actually like it, honestly!

Lawyer: Sorry, that doesn't hold up in this courtroom.  Go directly to jail.

This would certainly be an unfortunate situation, even in Monopoly, where going to jail really isn't that bad when everyone has properties all over the board.  Luckily, outside of cyberspace, people I barely know don't tend to recommend things to me on a regular basis.  Still, I can't help but think that maybe 2011 will be the year when I become that person who recommends everything to everyone...

"Hey, you, over there!" I will yell across the street to strangers. "I bet you will like what I tell you to like."

"Hello, White House person answering the phone," I will speak into my cell phone. "Put the President on.  I have a recommendation for a foreign policy on Facebook he might like.  And I want to form an alliance with him in Mafia Wars."

Granted, this would make me pretty annoying after a while, but people don't have to actually like me.  There is no need to self-promote until 2012.  I like 2012...

But I digress.