To be or not to be a FAN on Facebook? That is the question.

Let's talk.  I am one of those people who is outspoken and honest...sometimes too honest, so here it goes.  After I spill my guts...will you tell me your opinion?

I was NOT a "fan" of the Facebook individual "Fan" pages. After I wrote this post they changed it to "Like". 

Have you been "told" this is a great way to promote your work? Why do you have a professional page? Do you ask people to "Fan" or "Like" your page?

 Pure, Delicious and Refreshing © 1995
 Recycled tin cans, vintage steel doll
  houses,
 Artist: Harriete Estel Berman
 Photo Credit: Philip Cohen
 

My artwork is so much about my existence that showcasing images of my work on Facebook is sharing part of myself. I am not bragging but sharing my soul. For anyone who knows me, there is no separation between personal and professional.

 

 

 Trapped by the Seduction to Domestic
 Perfection© 1996
 Recycled tin cans, vintage steel doll
 houses,
 Artist: Harriete Estel Berman 
 Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Nevertheless, asking people to "Like" my work seems to be asking too much. People may like my work or dislike it, but that is their personal opinion. It doesn't seem right or necessary to ask them to publicly announce their allegiance.

Guess this reflects how I feel about viewing anyone's work. Certainly, it is refreshing to meet new people and be introduced to their work, but my reactions are usually multifaceted with mixed impressions on a wide range of thoughts that stream through my head. An assessment is almost always much more complex than a simplistic "like" or "dislike" or, to be or not to be a "Fan." 

 

Ripe and Luscious, Peak of Perfection
© 1996
Recycled tin cans, vintage steel doll
houses,
Artist: Harriete Estel Berman
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen
more info

Consequently, I find it unsettling when asked to be a "Fan" of anyone. Both "Fan" or "Like" presume too much. It seems like a thinly veiled request for an endorsement that has not been earned (at least not so quickly).  I'd much prefer more variations on a business page such as interested, entertained, delighted, or learning.

I respect the efforts of people to give visibility for their work to a wider audience.  Exposure is a great idea. Inviting friends and acquaintances to your passion for creativity is quite reasonable. Absolutely, your work is indeed part of who you are.  Share your work on Facebook.

In fact, when I look at an artist's or maker's profile page and if they don't have photo images of their artwork, I wonder who they really are?  I can't imagine people who call themselves artists, makers, or craftspeople not including their artwork as part of their profiles.

 

 Reality Studded with Thorns Hides the
 Front Door from the Street ©  1997-98
 Recycled tin cans, vintage steel doll
  houses,
 Artist: Harriete Estel Berman
 Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Nevertheless, asking people to "Like" your work is a social pressure that feels overly simplistic, superficial, and improper etiquette.

To be or not to be...a "Fan"? Like or dislike, is that really the question?

Any alternative responses? What is your opinion?

Harriete Estel Berman

This post was updated on January 13, 2022.

 

Spring flowers are in full bloom with post consumer, recycled tin cans, flowers, brilliant colors and multiple prints.