Looking professional

[#1packerfan92]

i was just wondering even though it doesnt say anything against it in the manuel, is it professional to have a team myspace, facebook, youtube, etc.?
its an internal conflict for our team on this subject and we could use some opinions

[Danny McC]

I have seen teams with Facebook groups. I mean its a good way for even to keep in contact because not everyone has cell phones or messenger services. I see nothing wrong with having something like this.

[AndyB]

Team facebook groups are pretty common. As are youtube accounts. Not sure about MySpace pages though.

[EricH]

I know you've already gotten an answer, but I would like to go a little more in-depth.

You ask if it is professional to have a team networking area/social account. The short answer is, yes. The long answer is, it depends.

When you post in public, you give an impression of yourself. It might not be who you really are, but it's close enough. Nowadays, many employers look at Facebook, Myspace, and other sites of that nature before hiring an employee. They will probably stumble across the team account/team site if they look up a team member.

If the account/site is appropriate, professional, and "clean", I would say that 99% of professionals will like it and possibly want to hire students from the team, or look into sponsoring the team. This is a good thing. The site shows that you should be treated as professionals.

If, however, the site is riddled with errors, factual or otherwise, or is offensive, or is just plain unprofessional (say, a rant about how bad your school district is), you can bet your last penny that any professionals looking at the site will be turned away in disgust. You will quickly find that you are shunned, or treated as "stupid teenagers" at the very best.

In short, whether or not having a team Myspace/Facebook/YouTube is professional depends on the content you put up, not whether or not you have one.

[Akash Rastogi]

Just be aware of all content that you post and are affiliated with. I mean if I see a stupid post on a team's Facebook page I'm not going to judge the team as a whole, but others might.

We've had one for a while now and its great for keeping in touch with alumni.

I'm guessing you ask because this is to fulfill Dean's homework?

[Brandon_L]

(Im on the same team...)

What our problem basically is:
We have a youtube/facebook/myspace and the website team decided to link them in the navs on our site. We don't mind having them, but most of us disagree with having them on the site.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Brandon_L

(Im on the same team...)

What our problem basically is:
We have a youtube/facebook/myspace and the website team decided to link them in the navs on our site. We don't mind having them, but most of us disagree with having them on the site.

Youtube page might be alright, the other two seem like they don't belong.

I personally frown upon social networks being linked to team sites, but that's just me.

[Koko Ed]

We have a Yahoo group that is used to conduct team business through as a message delivery system. We also have a rather neglected Facebook group that is used to discuss news about the team. So long as it's not used to bash the school sponsors, FIRST and other teams I see no problem with it.
If it uis used a s a personal soundiing board for whatever vendettas are driving certain members then I would say get rid of it. Like anything else on the internet whether it's a group or posting on Chiefdelphi remember you are now in the court of public opinion. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can AND WILL be held against you (AND YOUR TEAM) in the court of public opinion.
So choose what you do wisely.