Should you like your own Facebook posts?

We like it and we say so

If you’re active on Facebook, you probably have noticed that when you or others post something, other people can “like” what you’ve posted, and Facebook gives it a “thumbs up”. It keeps track of how many “likes” a post gets, and you’ll typically see verbiage that reads, “John Smith likes this”. This feature of Facebook becomes something of a promotion engine.

You can also “like” what you yourself have posted. If you opt to like something you’ve posted, you’ll see text that reads, “You like this.”

Self-aggrandizing and pretentious?

Earlier this evening I saw an update on Twitter from Steve Phillips, the President and owner of one of the best search engine optimization companies in Cincinnati:

purpletrout: Tacky: Consultants who give themselves “thumbs up” on their Facebook posts. Really? You need to give yourself approval?

I saw this amplified, or “retweeted” a few times by others, and then I chimed in:

danieljohnsonjr:@purpletrout Is it wrong to Like something you’ve posted on Facebook? That’s why I “give myself thumbs up”. I like what I’ve written.

The ensuing conversation, which included some direct messages, mentioned how I should let others praise my work, and not me myself.

Statements like this come across as though I’m not allowed to like what I’ve posted.

Some remark that it should be understood that you like your own work and that to “like” it on Facebook comes across as “pretentious and self-aggrandizing” (UPDATE: Julie Niesen @winemedineme wanted me to make sure I attributed her for that phrase, so there it is. FWIW). And yet Facebook lets us “like” our own posts anyway.

Be proud of your work

thumbs-up
I see it differently. I like my work, and I’m proud of it. I think we’re supposed to like it. I think there’s something divine about appreciating something we’ve created, whether it’s a blog post or a status update or a video we’ve shared. We like it, so there shouldn’t be a problem if we choose also to note it as such via Facebook. Sure, I’d love if as many people liked what I do as much as I do, but even if they didn’t, I still would.

Since Facebook builds this functionality, this ability for content creators to “like” or “thumbs up” their own work, it should not be inferred as pretentious or self-aggrandizing. I disagree with you if you see it differently.

I’m still waiting for someone to explain the metaphysical consequences of “poking” oneself on Facebook, however.

What say you? Help me see it differently.

If you liked this post, click here to share it with your network!

Want to read more like this from Daniel Johnson, Jr.? If you do, subscribe right now!

Get via Email Add to Google Subscribe to the Feed

About Daniel Johnson, Jr.

Daniel Johnson, Jr. believes in the power of connecting others and helping tell great stories with technology. Connect with Daniel on Google+.

Tags: Facebook, promotion, purpletrout, self-promotion, shameless self-promotion, social media, Steve Phillips, Strategy, Videos

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 am and is filed under Facebook, Social Media Strategy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Whack A Mole

Two thoughts.

First, do you then hit the like button on everything you post? If not, how should a “reader” view your other thoughts? As inferior? As garbage? I think this differentiating of your own work could confuse the intent. And if you do flag everything with the like status, then doesn't it make it somewhat pointless? As a previous poster noted, shouldn't we expect that if you post it, you like it? Or are you just offering the SM world mindless dripping mixed with the occasional ah-ha moment?

Second, i wonder if you are being really real about your reasons for “liking” your own posts? Is it as simple as wanting to give yourself a pat on the back or more so to draw extra attention from others? I've seen some of your dialogue on Twitter, here, and so forth, and I got the impression early on that you are a big self-promoter.

And while I am on it, it was sort of inflammatory to use THIS post as your tester for Screenr.com. Why not something less controversial? You know, it makes it seem like you actually enjoy the conflict. No one likes a pot stirrer

If you are really trying to learn, I hope you will actually consider some of these negative comments. You have obviously rubbed certain people the wrong way, and I imagine that isn't how you hoped your SM ventures would work out.
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

Here's something from the comments on this same note over at Facebook, from a friend named Jennifer Mitchell. She echoes the intent I typically have when I've approached content posted on Facebook, so I'm including it here. Some of you in the conversation here cannot participate or are not involved in the conversation over there. Jennifer says:

“I do wonder if it could be that those who feel it's 'pretentious and self-aggrandizing' might be taking it a little too seriously. This is FaceBook, after all, where we post funny videos, links, play farming and mafia games, and share things with 'friends'. Just because we sprinkle some work in doesn't mean it's not entertainment!

“It's fun to come across something you posted earlier that day and click like because you liked how you felt when you sent that message or you are proud of something.

“You keep liking your stuff Daniel, those who know you will not think you are being pretentious- you're too humble for that. ”
Whack A Mole

Two thoughts.

First, do you then hit the like button on everything you post? If not, how should a “reader” view your other thoughts? As inferior? As garbage? I think this differentiating of your own work could confuse the intent. And if you do flag everything with the like status, then doesn't it make it somewhat pointless? As a previous poster noted, shouldn't we expect that if you post it, you like it? Or are you just offering the SM world mindless dripping mixed with the occasional ah-ha moment?

Second, i wonder if you are being really real about your reasons for “liking” your own posts? Is it as simple as wanting to give yourself a pat on the back or more so to draw extra attention from others? I've seen some of your dialogue on Twitter, here, and so forth, and I got the impression early on that you are a big self-promoter.

And while I am on it, it was sort of inflammatory to use THIS post as your tester for Screenr.com. Why not something less controversial? You know, it makes it seem like you actually enjoy the conflict. No one likes a pot stirrer

If you are really trying to learn, I hope you will actually consider some of these negative comments. You have obviously rubbed certain people the wrong way, and I imagine that isn't how you hoped your SM ventures would work out.
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

Here's something from the comments on this same note over at Facebook, from a friend named Jennifer Mitchell. She echoes the intent I typically have when I've approached content posted on Facebook, so I'm including it here. Some of you in the conversation here cannot participate or are not involved in the conversation over there. Jennifer says:

“I do wonder if it could be that those who feel it's 'pretentious and self-aggrandizing' might be taking it a little too seriously. This is FaceBook, after all, where we post funny videos, links, play farming and mafia games, and share things with 'friends'. Just because we sprinkle some work in doesn't mean it's not entertainment!

“It's fun to come across something you posted earlier that day and click like because you liked how you felt when you sent that message or you are proud of something.

“You keep liking your stuff Daniel, those who know you will not think you are being pretentious- you're too humble for that. ”
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

I can see what you're saying, Patrick. It's important to be careful about how much and often the same bit of information is shared. I think the desire is to make sure information hits as many touchpoints as possible for people who may potentially be interested in it.

I've heard it said that people need to hear or see a message about 7 times before they act upon it. Content creators passionate about their content want to use social networking to share it with as many as possible who are interested across multiple channels.

We saw this happening months ago with folks aggregating all their content through Friendfeed. The same message was being crossposted from Utterz, now Utterli, to Twitter, to Facebook, and to a blog, and it all was aggregated into a Friendfeed. It became too much.

I used to crosspost all my tweets to Facebook and, after getting some complaints from my Facebook friends on how often I'd been posting, I shut that connection off.

This discussion here on the blog, as well as in the corresponding note on Facebook, has made me feel more reluctant to say that I, too, like what I've posted, even though I don't see it so much personally as a promotion engine.

Thanks again for stopping by, Patrick, and for helping out.
Whack A Mole

Two thoughts.

First, do you then hit the like button on everything you post? If not, how should a “reader” view your other thoughts? As inferior? As garbage? I think this differentiating of your own work could confuse the intent. And if you do flag everything with the like status, then doesn't it make it somewhat pointless? As a previous poster noted, shouldn't we expect that if you post it, you like it? Or are you just offering the SM world mindless dripping mixed with the occasional ah-ha moment?

Second, i wonder if you are being really real about your reasons for “liking” your own posts? Is it as simple as wanting to give yourself a pat on the back or more so to draw extra attention from others? I've seen some of your dialogue on Twitter, here, and so forth, and I got the impression early on that you are a big self-promoter.

And while I am on it, it was sort of inflammatory to use THIS post as your tester for Screenr.com. Why not something less controversial? You know, it makes it seem like you actually enjoy the conflict. No one likes a pot stirrer

If you are really trying to learn, I hope you will actually consider some of these negative comments. You have obviously rubbed certain people the wrong way, and I imagine that isn't how you hoped your SM ventures would work out.
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

Here's something from the comments on this same note over at Facebook, from a friend named Jennifer Mitchell. She echoes the intent I typically have when I've approached content posted on Facebook, so I'm including it here. Some of you in the conversation here cannot participate or are not involved in the conversation over there. Jennifer says:

“I do wonder if it could be that those who feel it's 'pretentious and self-aggrandizing' might be taking it a little too seriously. This is FaceBook, after all, where we post funny videos, links, play farming and mafia games, and share things with 'friends'. Just because we sprinkle some work in doesn't mean it's not entertainment!

“It's fun to come across something you posted earlier that day and click like because you liked how you felt when you sent that message or you are proud of something.

“You keep liking your stuff Daniel, those who know you will not think you are being pretentious- you're too humble for that. ”
MOMA JOHNSON

He is “DANIEL JOHNSON JR” not “Dan Johnson.” That should tell us plenty about what a pretentious jackass this guy already is. Oh and he has a DANIELJOHNSONJR.COM web site complete with paypal buttons because his words are just so incredibly valuable.

Danny continue to worship yourself you idolizing prick.
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

“Moma,” I'm sorry you felt like you had to use language like that to get
your point across. I've often thought that if people don't find value in
what I have to say, they won't visit.

As far as this particular post, I'm keeping in mind that we are talking
about Facebook, the home of Farmville, Mafia Wars, and Snowball Fights. I
would venture to say we're not already connected over there, “Moma”.

Again, I'm sorry you feel the way you do, and I wish you well in your
pursuits.
Pingback: How I spent 2009 - in blog posts | Daniel Johnson, Jr.
http://www.cc-chapman.com cc_chapman

I'm not sure how this is any different from someone posting a link to their stuff on Twitter or retweeting when someone gives you praise. It is all in the same bucket in my mind.

I don't personally “like” my stuff on Facebook that often. But, every so often if I'm really proud of it, or the comment stream I think is something that people would find value or entertainment in I will do it. That is my motivator.

As with all things in social media, there is not a clear cut right or wrong. Each person should figure out what works for them and move forward.
http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

Thanks for your comments, C.C.! I appreciate it.
Dgregsharpe

Personally and professionally people are usually their own biggest fan. That is what the like button replaced, the “become a fan” link. I do think that most people like what they do, and it goes with out…well liking one’s own self. Liking your own posts can be done in more non-conceited ways. For example you can comment on your post and share comments that you are proud of this or love this, or even that its your favorite thingy. Think about it, if you are in business, by liking your own products why would you skew your own product liking statistics? That’s like putting up a website store, buying your own stuff and posting the numbers so people think your popular. If you make yourself proud that is cool, but say it in words on a comment or note, but let the liking be decided by fans, friends or potential business opportunities. Those people probably slipped a vote for others in the hat for prom king or queen…oh don’t think it hasn’t happened. Come’on Man!

http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

Hi Greg! Thanks for commenting. In the 11 months since this post was originally written, I’ve probably tempered my thinking on this topic. There’s a fine line between appreciating one’s work and being overly self-promotional about it. In January I set out with the resolution to “be more helpful.” Next year I will continue to work toward that, working to cast more of a floodlight on good work done by others. Even more than I have been doing already.

Back to this specific discussion…

It’s still a “Like” on Facebook — the place where Farmville, Mafia Wars, and typically where a closed circle of me and my friends hang out together. If it were on a more public arena, it would have been seen by those who do not know who I am and taken the way that it was. This was the case with this post. By it being available in an open system and also shared via my public Twitter account, it attracted people who know me either barely or not at all.

I like how C.C. Chapman put it in the comments:
“As with all things in social media, there is not a clear cut right or wrong. Each person should figure out what works for them and move forward.”

Thanks again for stopping by and adding to the conversation!

http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

I’m amazed that this post still brings people out to comment. There has got to be more important things to do than split hairs over this. But, continue to discuss if you like – just remember to keep it civil.

http://www.facebook.com/Katherine.gordy.levine Katherine Levine

I searched for should I like myself. This came up and I am grateful.

http://www.facebook.com/Katherine.gordy.levine Katherine Levine

Ambivalent about liking what I post, but often I am linking people not just to my knowledge but other people’s knowledge, so I think I am going to begin liking me. That is what we women are constantly told to do and many men would improve the quality of life for all if they liked themselves also. Stay strong.
http://www.facebook.com/Jennifer.Orourke.Schrader Jennifer Schrader

This is surely a great post. However when promoting a business this can throw your impressions off and interaction.
Juandelacruz

In my opinion, the fact that you posted it means that you liked it. It’s a given then so you don’t have to ‘Like’ it in FB.
guest

If you like your own status on facebook, you are thick. Simple. You posted the bloody status BECAUSE you liked it, not IN SPITE OF LIKING IT. It’s like a stand-up comedian getting on stage and telling jokes that he alone gets, before laughing at himself. Yes, you are looking for approval by liking your own status. You do not need to like it because it’s bloody implied. Honestly, people are retarded

http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

I find it interesting that this is still a sore point with people. I’ve moved on.

guest

A facebook status is not your work, might I add. It’s simply a comment on a social networking site. Your arguments are pretty much pointless in this case. You say “We’re supposed to like our work”. As I’ve stated earlier (and SUPPOSING that a facebook status can be considered “work”), then posting it is enough to indicate that you like it. When you go to a restaurant, do you order the chicken, followed by having to justify to the waiter that you want the chicken because you like it? Do you go about explaining that you choose to wear the clothes that you wear because you like them? Tell people you own a car, TV, phone or laptop because you LIKE them? No. These are all implied, as is posting a status on facebook!

Daniel Johnson, Jr.