# 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 .
* on smartphone try app from .
* 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 having an overprotecting mother, who allow you only to meet
> your friends at one spot in town - where she can look after you.
>
> You maybe have no secrets from your mom, but probably still appreciate
> the *option* of being alone - to have some privacy.
Facebook is that one spot in town. Jabber is "let's go meet somewhere".
Regards, Jonas