Should you like your own Facebook posts?

Posted by Daniel Johnson, Jr.
December 2, 2009

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.

Facebook, featured, social media strategy

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.

  • 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.
  • Thanks for your comments, C.C.! I appreciate it.
  • 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.
  • Twitter Bug
    I find it interesting anyone would complain about someone spamming on Twitter...no one forces anyone to follow particular people. Those that tweet to much for my taste (follow Ocho Cinco sometime) I just stop following. One's Twitter is their own to tweet all they like, follower beware. Too funny.

    Also love those that find it necessary to name call and insult to make a point. That is when one's opinion/point loses credibility.
  • Patrick Cox-Mahoney
    One's opinion also loses credibility when posting under faux-cutesy name instead of your real name. Own up to your opinion, "Twitter Bug".
  • It's been interesting to watch the comments over here at the blog, versus those at Facebook. Most who have commented over here disagree, and yet we're probably not connected over there, so you haven't seen what I've posted. Almost a third over on Facebook agree with me. I wonder what that says.

    Let's keep the conversation going.
  • laurenjohnson
    If you knew anything about professionalism in the industry you claim to be part of, you might be successful.
  • I guess it depends on how you define success, Lauren. It's obvious to me that this is a subject that has many people emotionally charged up. I've never claimed to be an expert or guru; I'm still learning about this as I go. I haven't made my comments derogatory or made personal attacks on individuals.
  • Patrick Cox-Mahoney
    I don't think it's getting people emotionally charged up at all. What I don't understand is your need to validate yourself, period. I'm talking about beyond a Facebook thumbs up. Why post this repeatedly in your twitter stream to get a "conversation" going? I feel that essentially spamming twitter with the same link phrased differently speaks more volumes than whether you decide to thumbs up yourself.
blog comments powered by Disqus