I like CG's approach. If you have to have a separate account to use to access any site that may be less than honest, I won't go there. It is that simple. I have worked on computer systems since before Bill Gates and Microsoft, and just can't get over how many people are like sheep to the slaughter when it comes to their personal safety/security of data on the internet. Like an Exacto knife, which is a tool with a sharp edge, it pays to know which way the edge is going to cut.

Anyone loose a marriage from RCU? Anyone get fired over RCU? Anyone get their identity stolen from RCU? Anyone get their house robbed from RCU?

Ive read news stories about all of these caused by Facebook.

Also about infosec.... if someone really really wanted to steal your info they could, but the people/groups that have the skill and equipment go after banks, corps, and governments. Still dont be posting your stuff willy nilly for the script kiddies to find.

I've noticed that many times when they make changes to the format on Facebook, your privacy controls go back to the "default" settings, and you have to go back and reset them to your preferences.

Someone posted earlier about Facebook sending out invitations to everyone in their address book. NEVER give Facebook the password to your e-mail account. The only way they can get it is if you give it to them. It's asked for in such a way as to make you think you are checking into your own account, and I will admit I almost did it, but then I looked very carefully and decided they shouldn't be allowed to take control of my e-mail account.

But as far as the question FB or RCU, they're entirely different entities. I look at both about an equal amount of time, maybe FB a bit more time.

Aerofly0610 hitted right on. FB is bad news. You have "friends", the other day a lady wrote a suicide note in FB, not even one of her so called friends call her, or the police or her family to prevent the tragedy.
[X(]

Ummmm.. I beg your pardon. I gave them nothing but my Email address. That's it, and that's all it took. I've been around computers for over 40 years now and know better than to give out any sort of password to anyone about anything.

CGr.

Both have there uses.  FB is where I keep in touch with and get reaquainted with old friends and relative's accross the globe.  If I want information on RC, I come here or some other sites that are strictly RC.

I might be able to agree with you on the last two (maybe), but let's be serious. These things were not caused by Facebook. These incidents were caused by irresponsible Facebook users.

That's a tragedy, and I don't have all the details, but from what you've written, I don't see how this is Facebook's fault. Facebook is a social network, not a suicide hotline. The fault lies with her terrible friends. How does nobody pick up the phone to see if she's alright?!

Facebook and other similar sites are just like anything else: they can be great things or they can be bad things. Same goes for everything in life; I can use a hammer to build shelter (good) or whack somebody over the head (bad). In my case I could also whack my thumb (also bad).

Facebook has had their security and privacy issues of course so the user does have to be careful but that is the reality of the new, broader online world I think. We all need to adapt and be more aware of the potential dangers that we've never dealt with before.

My facebook profile is private so only people I approve can see it. I also check this now and then to make sure the settings weren't changed. On RCU, I do not worry so much about security. Ijust talk about airplanes. I never post a phone number, address or anything like that.

Guys
The privacy concerns about facebook are real.
Facebook intends to provide, and has recently provided, the email addresses and phone numbers of its subscribers to its developers. Saw the post on a tech newsletter to which I subscribe.
They put the policy on hold, but intend to offer this 'improved service' to their developers 'soon'.

I'd be very cautious with personal info in FB.

RCU yes
Facebook no

Hoping to leave a relatively small internet fingerprint. [:@]

I prefer facetime to face book.

RCU is where I do my internet socializing. Other than that it's the phone for those too far away to pop in on and 3 day weekends, when it can be arranged, to actually see family and friends in person. Occasionally I'll resort to email for those in my "circle" who are somewhat real world socially challenged...(they don't understand that you can actually talk into that silly thing)

I get on RCU maybe 5X per week and FB maybe 3-5X depending so I guess I like both.

RCU is common interests but often you don't know who your talking to, and often get into disagreements too easily because you don't know the person and you make no effort to see the common ground.  FB is family and friends and has a better photo section so has some advantages.  At any rate, I invite any car/boat/airplane persons to friend me on facebook, my email is:  [email protected]    [8D]

I am required to have a facebook account for my job.... interesting huh???

Nowadays most business have a facebook page. They are looking for business wherever they can. MySpace died or is going to die soon after facebook came along.
I think I am better here where I can chat with people with my same interest.
Thanks everybody for responding.

Just my point of view:

I am just perfectly happy being old fashion.

Friends are hard to make and easy to loose; face to face while sorting real life's challenges is the only effective and time-proved way.

Nothing worth working hard for, like a real friend, is as easy as a click of the mouse.
Never has been, never will be.

It is easy to type on a keyboard when you are not going to write all the true about yourself.
How the human race survived without text messaging and Facebook is beyond comprehension for many young persons.
I did survive and lived even without computers............[X(]

I just pass on "social networks" and greet my neighbors and workmates each morning.

Later during the day, I check RCUniverse to see what I can learn from or share with model airplanes enthusiasts of the whole world.
If a potential friend or a harsh critic comes along here, great; but that is not what makes me return to this great site.
I just like the concept and the structure of RCU; where I have learned much about airplanes and piloting and where Internet predators do not fit.