I’m about as disappointed and puzzled as I’ve been in quite some time.
Why, you ask? Well, Dear Reader, I have been banned from a Facebook Business Page. Yep, that’s right. As in: I can still “Like” the page if I choose, but I cannot comment anymore.
How did I find out? I realized I had not seen their posts in a while, so I went to their page to discover that I could not comment and that my comments had been deleted. Funny thing is, I’ve done absolutely nothing to warrant this type of censorship. I enjoyed their posts, and on the infrequent occasions I comment – er, commented, that is – my contributions were friendly, relevant, and in no way inappropriate. Allowing fans to talk to you and others who contribute on your Facebook page is part of the landscape, isn’t it?
So why the ban? I believe I have been censored for personal reasons, such as the individual making this call does not like me, or perhaps disliked my comments, or both. But are those good reasons to block me from their page? Was it fair? I don’t think so. Rule Number One of business is knowing when to separate your personal feelings from your business decisions. In this case, I suspect that rule was broken.
To the person who decided to block me, I want you to know: I would not censor you on my page as long as your behavior there is appropriate. Weigh in any time. We’re members of the community who can and should treat each other with professional courtesy and respect online and off – period. It may interest you to know that I recommended your business to someone just last week. Based on my understanding of your experience and expertise, I considered you the best choice. Chew on that for a moment.
I’ll close with this: I have no intention of “outing” the business in question here. I’m just not that mean spirited.
My Dad always said: “Don’t be a sissy.” Mom always said: “Take the high road.”
Check.
What? WHAT? I have been so preoccupied trying to get people to freaking LIKE my Facebook page……..I didn’t even know I could BAN people from it. I thought one of the purposes of having a Facebook page was to foster interaction – even if some of that interaction isn’t “Yay You!!” I am sorry this happened to you, Liz.
Wonder who you ticked off this time? Amazing thing is that I would think that would happen to me, but not to you. What did you say, or not say, that was so horrible that you had to be cut off? Sad. Very, very sad.
Simply absurd…. Did the person attempt to communicate with you via e-mail to discuss the issue(s)? I guess at this point, all you can do is take the high road. I probably would no do business with them OR refer business to them either. If they will do this to you, just imagine what they would do to others. Sorry dear…
I have similarly been blocked from making friend request under the pretext that Facebook thinks I do not know these people. Yet they can post suggestions of People I miight know on theWall page.The same thing applies to people as it does to business pages. The goal of a lot of people is to accumulate a lot of friends. And What about the people that have close to 5000 friends. Do they know all 5000? I think not.
This is purely personal, James. Of this I am certain. Thanks for your comment. The point is there is no good professional reason to have done so. Unfriend me all you want if you dislike me, but block me from a business page where i contributed in a positive way to your metrics? Whhhhat?? Uh, nooooo…..
Sad, unprofessional, and STUPID. Just stupid. I really feel sorry for them. I mean that.
I know, I know. It’s a real head shaker for me, Andra. If I like your biz page and am a good contributor there, why let personal feelings come into play? I actually find it funny, too. And it makes no sense. Thanks for weighing in!
Very diplomatic in venting your frustration! Consider it their loss. Take your energy in a more positive direction…Sorry for your disappointment….
Liz, I didn’t know that could be done either. I know that I can remove wall posts, and I know that offensive or spamy behavior can be blocked, but banned? I did not know that.
Thanks Terri! Definitely their loss and anyone running a Facebook Business Page should know better!
Yep, people can be blocked, Cheryl. Meaning they cannot comment on the page or even like posts.
Interesting, Alex.
Hey Liz – Always assuming the best, is it possible you were accidentally banned from the page (and maybe posts are automatically removed when this happens?)? Is it worth writing a friendly note to the page owner to confirm it was purposeful? Either way, their response would be priceless, I’ll bet.
Hi Greg, thanks for your comment. I’ve thought about asking about it, and yes, I suppose it’s possible that the ban was not not done on purpose. Thing is, you have to take some deliberate steps to do it, which makes me doubt that it was accidental. And I think a permanent ban removes all posts.