On Becoming Real - Facebook Events

"I walked into the party at a small, Portuguese restaurant and was not surprised that I knew virtually no one. Or, should I say, had never met anyone there, but I knew about them. For some, I had seen pictures of their summer vacation, known if they had recently started or ended a relationship or where they were from. I knew them through Facebook. Now, they had become people. After the meager scraps of information gleaned from Facebook encounters, we now feasted on unfettered conversation. We laughed and heard them laugh at the same time. We shook hands, hugged, took pictures, drank wine. We became real."

Yes, Facebook Events is a "networking" tool. But it can be so much more in terms of making connections with friends and new friends. Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider creating a Facebook Event for your gathering, or as a reason for your next gathering.

It's easy to use. Just fill out the details on the form pages and your guests have all of the information they need to attend. There is even a link to a Google map to the location.

One of the most overlooked features is "Export". Every event has an "Export" button. When you click it, FB generates a .ics file, which then automatically opens and adds the event to your default calendar application. With just one or two clicks, your guests now have your event added to their calendar.

The event has all of the event information, including links. Since I use an iPhone, it is automatically added there as well. Now, when I leave the house, I know that if I get lost, not only do I have the address, I can see a Google Street View of the actual building.

I usually have my camera when I go out and I like to take pictures of people. When I get back home, I can upload them to Facebook, then tag the pictures (put names to the faces in the picture). If I don't have the camera, I can use my iPhone to take a picture, and post it on FB. The friends are notified that their picture has been posted, which generates more interaction.

Events generates a list of attending, not attending and undecided guests. Here's what I love about this. There may be people that I know on FB, but have never met. By looking at the lists, I can make a mental note of who I might want to meet. I even have a picture of them (if their profile picture is a picture of them).

And, last but not least, it's FREE!

There is something magical that happens when a bunch of people who have only known each other on the internet finally meet. It makes you wonder if computers might actually not be evil.