Those things are all over the place now, including many of my sites, and think it's ok, but still prefer the share button because it gives a chance for the user to explain the content. I have a couple of friends on Facebook, and when they share, it makes a much greater impact then when they like.

any thoughts?

I'm not a fan of Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace.

I have enough trouble keeping up with Cc without Twittering, facebooking or Myspacing, so I am with Tony on this.

I'm a big FB and twitter fan, but from a SMM(social media marketing) view, this is an interesting article.

http://mashable.com/2010/06/13/facebook-like-increases-blog-referral-traffic/

add: Understand about not doing social media, and it's all good.

I must say that even though from a social networking point of view I find this interesting - from a practical point of view, the fairly short periods (a couple of years) I have spent in any of these networking communities, I have not experienced any increase whatsoever in my employment opportunities. The sad truth is that I have to work and time spent networking has not been "profitable". However - from a human, social point of view, I have come away with some extremely good friends from these experiences - and several of us have met up and corresponded frequently (and still do) in spite of being on opposite sides of the globe.

What I did find with the social networking systems was that it took me away from the realities of my real world, and I ended up dedicating less time to my real friends and family who know me and care for me - in favour of total strangers! Thank goodness I woke up in time to pick up the pieces and stick them all together again! So now... yes to virtual friends, but keeping well in mind that the TLC is here at home.

Janys, I had a similar experience with Facebook. When I started with FB, it was about establishing business relationships, but,.I found myself making new friends, and being reunited with family. Were many businesses I think miss the boat with social networking is they are rigid with there post, and afraid to expose the human side of who they are. Me thinks social networking from the perspective you stated is what it was intended for. People gathering(online), sharing, and enjoying,.. but the real friends in the non-virtual world is what counts.

I like the "Like" button better then the "Become a Fan" button. Just because I like it, doesn't make me a fan.

I remember the old days when Facebook was only for college students. You couldn't even create a page without a college ID. Now MySpace is full of spam and Facebook & Twitter have taken over. I like Facebook for reconnecting me with old friends and lost family. But I love Twitter. I guess because I was around when Twitter was in diapers (Beta). Not to mention if it wasn't for Twitter, I wouldn't be employed at CoffeeCup. I found out they were hiring via Twitter.

One thing about Facebook where some of the others failed is they do a much better job policing,..but like all social media, there are issues. The fb fanpage I made has turned out to be really great for business, but the thing that makes it that way is sharing good content,.. not bombing fans with spam,..,..and being real,..ie. not offering junk ebooks that will make you a millionaire,..and interactions aren't that high, but when I have one, responding to the user.