Here’s a pretty good article (actually it’s a Wiki, contributed by several authors) about how you can manage your Facebook profile and friends.

Read this article if:

1. You (you dinosaur, you) are still contemplating whether or not to join Facebook because you’re worried about ‘privacy issues’,
2. You feel that Facebook is “too personal” to link up with colleagues or business partners,
3. You’ve wondered whether or not to “friend” your ex,
4. You’ve had friends who post stories about sexual escapades, drunken moments, and racist comments on your wall,
5. You’re trying to decide if you should “friend” your boss or your boss’ boss

Don’t worry too much about how people judge you from that photo of your college party days back in 1997 or 2002 that recently found it’s way to Facebook through a friend who’s been scanning copies of his/her photo printouts. It shows you’re fun and hey, everyone’s had embarrassing moments.

If you really hate that photo, just un-tag it. Don’t get your panties into a knot just because someone’s posted a picture of you during your younger, wilder days.

Despite what some people think of Facebook (lack of privacy, so very unmanageable, I don’t need the whole world to know about me), and what some companies think of Facebook (for people who have nothing else better to do than post photos and check out other people’s profiles), Facebook is an important networking and marketing tool.

1. It creates a sometimes imagined facade the impression that you are approachable because people now know what books you like to read and what are your favorite shows on tv
2. It helps you keep in touch with old friends and acquaintances (and it never hurts to have an extended network that you can some day tap on)
3. It helps you maintain contact with new friends, customers and acquaintances
4. It gives people an avenue for getting updates about you (whether you’re an individual or a business)
5. It feeds not only your boredom but also your thirst for reading material – Facebook hosts an amazing amount of information that is actually useful at times, via your own friends who share links to articles, blogs, videos, websites, etc.

I can probably think of 100 reasons why you should be on Facebook, but if you have some reasons why you don’t think so, do share them! Or if you can think of other reasons why people should get on to Facebook, share them too!

Update 12 Aug 09, 15:14 hrs SGT: I got this from Zen on Plurk this morning:

I know I’ve said people should not be paranoid about adding their bosses on Facebook, but I guess people who have online verbal diarrhoea and don’t think about where they choose to take a dump should not add their bosses on Facebook.

Then again, they really shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near an internet connection.