# How I (do't) use Facebook

[[!meta date="2012-10-01"]]
[[!tag msg blog editorial]]

Dear Facebook friend,

I am not really on Facebook.  I am there only to reach you, not hang out
with you.

I like you and I want to chat with you, but not on Facebook!
Please instead contact me by email or on IRC or Jabber...

## Simple webchat

If you are in a hurry and do not use Jabber yet, then try use my
[Simple Groupchat](https://chat.jones.dk/).

Use guest login if you are not a user at jones.dk.

## Proper Jabber

Jabber is similar to email: You need 1) an account somewhere, 2) some
client application setup to use that account, and 3) my address to
connect to.

1. Register an account at e.g. Indonesian http://jabin.org/ or
   [some](http://list.jabber.at/)
   [other](http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Community_Jabber_Servers)
   [server](http://xmpp.net/).
2. Install a Jabber client program...:
  * on Windows try install Gajim from <http://gajim.org/>.
  * on smartphone try app from <https://imo.im/>.
  * on Ubuntu try use the Me menu in top right corner.
  * on Debian try install Pidgin: aptitude install pidgin.
3. Invite me as your friend/buddy: my Jabber ID is jonas@jones.dk
4. Tell your friends to do the same! :-D

## Why Jabber instead of Facebook?

Facebook is one closed system: all activities happen on one central place.

Jabber is an open chat protocol, to chat across many systems.

> Imagine you have an overprotecting mother, who allow you only to hang
> out with your friends at one certain spot in town - where she can see
> all that you do.
>
> You maybe have no secrets from your mom, but still appreciate the
> *ability* to be alone - to have some privacy.

Facebook is that one spot in town.  Jabber is "let's go out somewhere".

Regards, Jonas