Facebook Players

Facebook Players

In this new age of rapid-fire communication via electronics, an individual like the Player can’t mindlessly adopt every new trend that comes along without considering the benefits and consequences. The likes of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have allowed us all to keep tabs on one another, and while this can be used to the Player’s advantage, he must also use the same strategy he employs in other areas of his love life. It’s not about simply putting yourself out there to brag about your conquests (and reel in more); it’s about playing the field appropriately in a virtual landscape. This requires a surprising amount of maintenance and precision because even the slightest slip up can fly across the internet at shocking speeds -- much to your chagrin. One day, some random girl you’ve never met before and who claims to be “a friend of a friend of a friend” gives you a nasty look followed by the cold shoulder. We’re here today to avoid such frustration.

Not everything should be public knowledge

You do have plenty of control over your profile and what visitors can see, so it’s best to keep certain things private. Whether it’s Facebook or MySpace, you need to limit the scope of your personal experiences and lifestyle. Simply give visitors a taste without launching into some ill-advised relation of your latest escapade. One has to remember that the Player is discreet; he is not the loud-mouthed, obnoxious braggart who will tell anyone with functional ears just how many women he has picked up. This is adolescent behavior and the true ladies' man kisses and never tells. Now, virtual social services are dangerous because it may seem less personal; it may seem more private because you’re sitting alone with nothing but a screen in front of you. But it’s best to picture that screen as thousands of pairs of greedy eyes.

Not everyone gets full access

If you’re familiar with the communication services talked about here, you know you can give people varying degrees of access to your page. If you prefer, you can keep some of the more sensitive material under wraps and only provide full access to those you trust -- those who won’t take that information and use it for malicious purposes. People you just met last weekend -- especially females -- should only get basic access, which merely includes a few photos, the essential information and maybe a simple anecdote or two. All it does is explain more about you; it doesn’t open the vault and let perfect strangers into the furthest recesses of your mind and memories. But you’ll also have safe bets in your little black book, such as Player-loving women who have proved to be equally discreet and always appreciative of your charms. They deserve to see all of that MySpace page.

No online stalking

There’s something to be said for being able to visit someone’s Facebook page and learning more about them (after all, that’s the purpose of such a service), but this can easily trip over the line into virtual stalking if you’re not careful. Again, because there’s a lack of personality when it comes to a computer screen, it’s easy to assume you aren’t doing anything wrong; when in fact, what you’re doing is downright creepy. It’s not that far removed from watching the woman’s house or rifling through her mail. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, and the “stalking” aspect is more indirect as the stalker is never actually seen (ideally), but that doesn’t make it acceptable. If you’re one of those guys who thinks that all you need is a virtual profile and an e-mail address to get a woman’s attention, you had best reassess and flex some real social muscle at the club. If you’re rejected, it’s over. Don’t keep visiting her MySpace page. Seriously.

Friends aren’t always “friends”

There’s a strange trend floating around in the virtual universe. It seems like every last human a person crosses gets added to his or her "friends" list. In fact, to say you have a bigger friends list than anyone you know is like a badge of honor -- except that when you don’t even know the last name of 90% of those “friends,” it’s just an illusion. Be selective. The more selective you are, the less you have to worry about certain information suddenly circulating around the local bars and clubs, thereby casting you in an unsavory light. If you’d rather not go to the trouble of limiting access to your profile and you’re a big fan of loading up your favorite virtual spaces, then you absolutely must restrict your friends list to "real" friends. Recent conquests only qualify if they become legitimate bed buddies.

Keep your “Tweets” under control

Essentially, Twitter is like a public IM. You have the space for 140 characters to let everyone know what you’ve done, what you’re doing or what you’re going to do. The Player often wonders why this holds such fascination for people, but the bottom line is that “Tweets” are now a part of the communication world. But while you might find it amusing to post something insulting or degrading concerning a certain female who has recently snubbed you, resist the urge. If you really have to divulge sensitive information, Twitter is the last place you should turn to. Keep that information restricted to the appropriate venues (say, personal conversations with friends). In general, it might be a good idea to avoid Tweeting about girls you’re currently dating, because they frown on such public exposure.

The new rules

Social networking online is huge these days, but it’s easy to get in over your head. Keep a careful eye on the virtual proceedings, and also, be sure to pay attention to your onscreen reputation. News carries faster than ever, and if you make a mistake, dozens -- even hundreds -- could know about it within seconds. So control, maintain, update with caution, and use all that feedback you might find on MySpace and Facebook to your advantage.