Sigh....I just don't see the big deal...and I know this thread has gone in another direction from the OP, so before I comment on Facebook, let me say - It's a marketing tool like so many other marketing tools. If you are not going to let them push their product/service in your face - and by extension all of your "friends'" faces - in whatever fashion they find has the best cost/benefit - that's okay. But don't be mad when they don't share their premium with you either. Facebook is big, like it or not, and for marketing it's ideal. I don't ever participate in any of the marketing stuff, ("'Like' us on Facebook.") No thanks - I don't need that free sample enough to have you into my and my friends' business, and selling my link to someone else, etc.
Facebook in general:....sure, you can try to keep yourself "pure" and "safe" by not joining....but like an earlier PP said, if someone wants to find you, they will. AND - it won't take an awful lot of effort or a pile of cash to do it. I've had a few people find me, but I don't WANT any more "friends" so I just don't respond, and I don't feel "rude." I don't accept, and I don't refuse. Heck - I haven't been in touch with those people in well over twenty-five years. I don't think their self esteem is so fragile.
On the other hand, I have a few close relatives that REFUSE to join. They have their reasons. (I think they are nutty reasons, but who cares?) I post stuff on Facebook. They KNOW I post stuff on Facebook. If they are interested, they can join, or they can log onto their kid's account to see stuff. I am NOT going to make a special effort to send separate stuff to them. If they don't want to see pictures of me and my grandchildren, it's their business.
Be there, or be square....that's my sentiment.
BUT - don't tell me you are keeping yourself "safe." If you do ANYTHING online - you are out there. It's just a question of "how much" you are out there.
Maddle