(Finally) Getting With the 21st Century!
 

No, I haven't decided to buy a car that's less than 20 years old...

I have created a Facebook page for my writerly persona, in order to keep people updated about my upcoming books, other publications, personal appearances (signings, readings, etc.), and other news about my professional life.

I figured, "it couldn't hurt" - like many things on the Internet, Facebook professional pages are viral, so word can spread quickly and easily. At this early stage of my career, I'll take all the help I can get; every click on "Become a Fan" is one more bit of support for yours truly.

If you want to check it out, the page is here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/CJ-Fusco/112306773941

Consider a Twitter thing as well, THAT is the viral stuff. Your simple comment on a piece you've written can get forwarded dozens of times, and reach an audience far larger than Facebook.

I'm actually not sure I understand the whole Twitter thing... aren't they basically just status updates that people make about their boring days?

It's 140 character statements...can be anything. You can get on the "list" for someone's twitter to read them automatically. Something particularly interesting that comes through can be "retweeted", where you forward it to everyone on *your* list. They can then forward it again, etc. Some people make it a "I'm at the store, should I buy milk?" crap, put lots of professionals are using it as advertisement, updates on projects, etc. It *can* be a highly effective business tool, just as Facebook and Linked-In can be, but you have to *make* it such ;)

Hmm... I'll look into it. Thanks for the heads-up, Mike.

To me, Twitter is a text message to a group. It an be read by anyone, but won't be read unless you have a following.

Well, hopefully the Facebook page will be my first step toward gaining a following (albeit a small one)...

If I click on the link you posted it just takes me to the facebook login... what is your facebook name?

It means you need a facebook acct to view it.