FaceBook - don’t be a snob

I've had several people who are just fans of SGM tell me that they feel snubbed by some major artists on Facebook. It seems that their friend requests are denied by some artists. I think a couple of things need to be addressed about this issue.

First, Facebook is a great place for networking. I've reacquainted myself with many old friends from my earliest years in school to my earliest years in Southern Gospel Music. I've made many new friends who have come out to see us in concert. I've met new friends that I have gone to see in concert when they came close.
Other than taking up too much of my time (according to my wife), I have found Facebook to be very positive. Do I have Facebook friends who I do no know, and may never know on a personal basis? Sure, but what does it hurt, especially with the possibility of making a booking in the future, or selling a CD or two. I think we can agree that for networking, Facebook is a pretty good thing.

So the second thing I want to address is, why would artists, no matter how big or small want to offend any fans. Artists need to be careful that they are not insensitive to the people who just love your music. When they are rejected as a friend by their favorite artists, they take it very personal. You, as an artist, may not know them, but they have seen you at concerts, probably spoken to you at your product table, and those fans feel that they know you. I say let's be as polite on Facebook as we would be at the product table. Just because they are not standing right in front of you at a concert does NOT mean that they are not STILL you fans.