Pamela, you’re right, it’s a sort of “cultural” misunderstanding. I admit that I am ripe fodder for this type of misunderstanding, since I work in, and write about, online marketing and social media. Most people in that category are trying to make as many online “friends” as possible.

I know that when I hit the request button, I didn’t add a note explaining why I was requesting – I seem to remember that, as the send was happening, I thought it odd I missed the “send a personal message.” Would it have a made a difference if I said “Hey, found your blog, we have similar interests, I really like the way you think, I am friends with several creative and interesting people and you would really fit in?” Maybe not, but we’d never be having this discussion either.

There are people I very much admire, and who are very much more in the public eye, that have accepted friend requests. Some use it as just another marketing tool – just as they do their MySpace and Twitter. Some actual post their daily lives but don’t really respond to their thousands of friends. I was so annoyed with one person who twittered every 5 seconds (which then fed their FB profile) that I dropped them.

Then there are a couple of people, that are up-and-coming in their field, that really appreciate early fan support and feedback. I’m also trying to do something creative so I to like surround myself with that energy and support. Most everyone loves the networking and helping each other find and discover new talents so it really isn’t a big deal where or who you are if you have the right personality and goals. Again – with no note – it was my faux paux to think you’d know this was how I also use FB. I’d been on such a charmed and good karma journey with FB, I just assumed everyone creative used FB the same way. ASS out of ME, in front of U, sorry.

That’s my experience and where others also might be coming from, thanks for listening and replying.

Similarly, I’m always surprised, and somewhat wary, when a new Twitter follower shows up, even though I have a link to my Twitter account posted in several places.