FloH Blog
My Face-off with Facebook

Posted by Florence Henderson at 1:08 PM on October 2 , 2009


24 comments - Categories:

screenshot | social networking | digital photos | communication | Facebook | technology term | The FloH Club


I have found that a fear of technology is often a fear of the unknown. For example, I had heard of Facebook, which is what is called a "social networking" site. People (young people) were raving about how much they enjoyed using the free Web site to connect with others. As popular as Facebook was, I experienced anxiety when I even thought about attempting to sign up. I automatically assumed that I just wouldn't "get it," that I'd end up feeling frustrated and even stupid if I tried to use it.

I have so much going on in my life, and I knew on some level that Facebook would really help me keep in touch with the world. So I finally bit the bullet and created my own Facebook page, with the help of my friends at The FloH Club. You can see a reduced screenshot of my page right here! (A screenshot is a picture showing what's on a computer screen.) I am so excited to have this new way of communicating.

I'd like to take some of the mystery out of Facebook for you, so you can decide if it's something you might want to try. First, a clarification: If you were to create a personal Facebook page, you would be able to control who sees it. My page is a fan page, so anyone can see it. And if people choose to become fans, they receive updates from me on their "home" page.

So far, I have focused on three sections of my Facebook page. The first section, called the "wall," is where I write updates about my appearances and even my thoughts on life. Fans can leave notes on the wall for me, as well. The "info" section of my page gives a few details about my background and interests, so others can learn a little more about me. The "photos" section is wonderful, because it lets me upload images from my computer and organize them into albums for sharing.

If you have a FloH Club membership and would like to set up a Facebook page, it's part of your service! Just call the support number, and a friendly technician will walk you through the steps. You can also use The FloH Club's One-Time Empowerment Service. If you create a Facebook page, on your own or with The FloH Club's assistance, please let me know how it goes by adding a comment to this blog entry. And please become a fan of my Facebook page. Just click the button that says "Become a Fan."

Talk to you again soon.



Comments

Gloria wrote on 10/13/09 9:04 AM


OMG! Why did I not know about this until today? I just watched the segment on the Today Show...yeah, Florence!

As a long-time IT professional and (now) a young "senior", I have coached and continue to empower my older friends and family with the latest in technology, answering those tough questions and taking the mystique out of being online and connected. I also volunteer my time on a pro bono basis to do the same for seniors in the community.

I'm currently out in the market seeking opportunities, which combine new media technology with client-facing communications. I'd welcome and opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail and to be on the FloH team (people call me Glo). I believe I have something to offer and have what it takes to propel this effort and bring more seniors on-board with 21st century tools. Please feel free to reach out to me at anytime.

Toby Bloomberg wrote on 10/13/09 10:38 AM


Florence -
The biggest "gift" you're bringing to boomers is the understanding that is not about technology .. it's simply a way of keeping in touch that just happens to occur online. It's not a mystery but it just might be a little bit of magic!

Gail Hermesch wrote on 10/13/09 11:06 AM


BRAVO to you! I, like Gloris, just saw this on the Today Show and wondered why I didn't know about it sooner. As a facilitator for employee training and Social Media Marketing, I often encourage seniors to access the social medium so that they may stay in touch with family and friends. I will definitely be spreading the word about your site and keep up on it myself! Only one suggestion...as this is a sight for older boomers and seniors it would be great if the font size could be larger. Thank you again!!

Camille Aidala wrote on 10/13/09 7:49 PM


A quick way to increase the size of your font: try holding down the "Control" key while pressing the "+" sign - this should automatically increase your font size. Inversely, you can hold down the "Control" key and press the "-" sign (the "minus sign" or "hyphen")to decrease the size of your font. Hope this works for you.

This makes me realize how much we already know, and can learn from each other! A wonderful tech community for anyone at any age.

Linda Bolte wrote on 10/13/09 10:11 PM


Hi Everyone,
For those of you that are card senders, i.e. thank you, birthday, christmas,anniversay, whatever it may be, go to this site and send a greeting card. www.my-pretty-cards.com you can send up to 3 cards FREE. They actually go in the mail but you design them all over the computer.

This is awesome for seniors because you can do it all from home. No more going to the Post Office. Thats right it is delivered to them in their mail box.

You can even send gifts, birthday, Christmas, wedding, all with the click of your computer mouse.

They address, stuff your envelope,put your stamp on, take it to the post office for you. This is what every SENIOR, or Handicap person has needed for a long time. We can keep in touch with our loved ones and keep building those relationships we felt like we had to give up.

GO to this site and send a FREE card don't take my word for it...www.my-pretty-cards.com

John Nagle wrote on 10/14/09 7:13 PM


Hi Florence,

I just saw this posted on Gizmodo.com and I am well impressed! Your website looks great overall, and I think you are providing a unique and valuable service to seasoned citizens who may not be so computer savvy.

I have to say the video on the main page looks a bit amateurish in the production quality. Your performance is absolutely perfect, and the lighting is good, but the rough cuts are awkward, and there's an open metal briefcase or something in the shot that looks out of place. I would be happy to patch that video up into a nice promo piece for you, no charge. Just let me know, you have my e-mail address.

-John
(Software entrepreneur, former videogame developer, and former owner of a video production company.)

Andy wrote on 10/14/09 8:28 PM


Will the FloH club provide support for users of Linux systems? My mother is running Ubuntu 9.04 and generally has no problems, but it would be nice for her to have a lifeline if needed!

Cecilia wrote on 10/15/09 1:13 AM


Hi, I'm been in Information Technology for almost 20 years and for the past 4 years I have been the National Director of Computer Network Services for a well known civil rights/non-profit organization head-quartered in Chicago. I just saw you on the Wendy Williams Show discussing the Flo Club and I knew immediately that I'd like to be a part of this wonderful service. Everyone of all ages should have exposure to information technology and be able to navigate their way around various tools without feeling intimidated. How can I provide/contribute my services in technical support? I am in my forties and I've spent a lot of time trying to help some of my more senior friends and family overcome their fear of information technology on and off the clock for quite some time now.

This is such a wonderful service.

Best Wishes,

Ce

L Messmer L Messmer wrote on 10/15/09 11:39 AM


a BIG thank you to Camille!!!!
the control =/- works!
may you have a blessed day.
L Messmer

Camille Aidala wrote on 10/15/09 5:33 PM


You're very welcome - glad you found it helpful!

Gail Hermesch Gail Hermesch wrote on 10/15/09 10:55 PM


Thank you, Camille, but my font suggestion was not for myself, but rather for seniors that will have a difficult time reading the website. When I showed it to some seniors that was their first comment. "A lot of small print." Adjusting the font is easy for someone that is familiar with a computer such as you or I, but not so much for those who do not use it daily. My suggestion was only to help in making the site as user-friendly as possible for those who will be visiting it.

Paul wrote on 10/16/09 4:37 PM


Andy wrote on 10/14/09 8:28 PM

Will the FloH club provide support for users of Linux systems? My mother is running Ubuntu 9.04 and generally has no problems, but it would be nice for her to have a lifeline if needed!
=============================================
That is a very good question. To put the question differently, will Flohclub just reinforce the improper monopoly of Microsoft, or do you hope to teach people how to SAFELY use a computer? I finally got the wife to upgrade to Ubuntu, and she hasn't had a virus, trojan, or any similar problem in 18 months.

zylandros wrote on 10/17/09 9:57 PM


@Paul @Andy I just spoke to them on the phone and they stated that currently only Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (upon release) are supported. That does not mean that other operating systems will not be supported in the future.

I personally started my computer support company the same way. Windows at first simply because of market share and exposure. Then I moved to supporting Macs and now netbooks with Linux distros on them.

If I was a betting man I would say Mac OSX support will come to the FloH Club before Linux support does.

The FloH Club Team wrote on 10/29/09 6:28 PM


Gloria: Thank you very much for your interest in The FloH Club. We are currently not in need of new resources; however, as our business grows, we may be in the future. Please check with our partner, www.support.com, for more information on opportunities with The FloH Club.

Andy: In the short term, The FloH Club does not plan to support the Linux operating system.

Cecilia: Thank you very much for your interest in The FloH Club. We are currently not in need of new resources; however, as our business grows, we may be in the future. Please check with our partner, www.support.com, for more information on opportunities with The FloH Club.

Fred wrote on 10/30/09 6:58 PM


Thank you Flo for bringing me up to speed with the digital age. I wanted to share a new product that, like your service, has greatly improved my quality of life. www.claritydirect.com sent me the first cellphone i could finally use. If anyone has problems hearing or using a cellphone like myself please vist this site and order this wornderful product. Hopefully FloH will support this product in the near future

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