We encourage our guests (past and future) to follow McCarthy’s Party Tours Facebook Page, as well as the blogs on our family’s web site – www.mccarthysparty.com We post fun and informative stories (we call them “yarns”) every week, and there’s lots of daily updates; including beautiful photos, special interest pieces, and local news broadcasts. We embraced you as family and wish these pages serve as a reminder of the wonderful times we shared, hoping you start every day with a smile on your face, thinking about Newfoundland and all your friends at “Home”.
“… start every day with a smile…”
Given the demographic of our groups, it shouldn’t be surprising that some don’t use Facebook, or any other form of social media for that matter. Of course, this has less to do with age, as more and more people are simply choosing to tune out the “foolishness” it perpetuates. This is a most unfortunate development since Facebook can be an invaluable tool when it’s used properly, with an appropriate measure of discipline.
“… important things…”
Whether you’re already on board or are thinking about exploring that whole “other world” and all the important things you’re missing; we feel there are some basic guidelines that can help you create and maintain a healthy online presence;
1. Find a friend or family member to help you set up an account. Its not called social media without reason and sometimes you must be social to get things started. Enlist an accomplice to help.
2. Make certain to write down your passwords and login information in a safe place. Its not the end of the world if you lose it and the machine will remember your information if so instructed – but you should keep a written record for your own peace of mind
3. Once you’ve opened an account you need to start populating your page. You’ll start by inviting friends and perhaps reviewing “Friend requests” from those who want to spend time with you
4. Only invite your friends – start out by inviting your real fiends and family – people you know and trust. The same people you’d invite to a Sunday dinner or perhaps your Christmas Party. The same rule applies when you decide to accept friend requests – take the time to investigate the request and be certain this is somebody you want to spend time with.
“… want to spend time with…”
5. Try to maintain a positive attitude online. Populate your page with posts that are meaningful, that reflect your attitudes, beliefs, interests, and dreams. They don’t have to be original since you can “share” other peoples posts if they are especially meaningful to you or you simply feel that friends would also enjoy the message.
6. Always wait till you get home to post – we love your Newfoundland pictures but are more than happy to wait till you are safely home before broadcasting the fact you’re away
7. Maintain an open mind – Facebook brings the entire world to your doorstep. This introduces many amazing cultures, from the latest “Hip Hop” release to your grandchildren’s life on campus. These insights can be truly amazing, and at the same time quite shocking. Remember times change and so must we.
“… an open mind…”
8. Avoid the temptation of “Creeping” and “Surfing” information. Let Facebook fulfill itself organically. Maintain focus on creating your online presence and enjoy what your “real” friends share. Facebook will lead you towards likeminded groups pages, friends will offer recommendations, and you will become a better and more knowledgeable participant in whatever past time you choose. This is a great learning tool with an enormous base of knowledge
9. Use your head and god given intelligence to make quick assessments of the information shared online. You can’t believe everything you see, hear or read in the real world – and Facebook is no different. There are all sorts of special interest groups and causes who will say anything to convince others to believe. Use your instincts and simply skim past the online noise and focus only on posts that are of true interest to you and your friends.
10. Do not add social media to your hand held device. There is an enormous world out there and you need to live it in order to share your role. Constant access to the “interweb” will prove exceedingly distractive. You will also appreciate the opportunity to desensitize before commenting or reacting to observations made in the “now”. We often joke that “Drinking and Dialing is more dangerous than Drinking and Driving.”
Enjoy the world we share, especially the fun and positive messaging you’ve come to expect from McCarthy’s Party Tours and the joy we find in every day.
