I'm not as bullish on Facebook as others are. It is a complete waste of time and people are getting tired of the privacy issues. That being said, I am very bullish on social networking, generally.
So far Brian Marion has given the best answer to Jeff's question IMO.
Thanks Patrick.
I'm a marketer and communications specialist by trade, so I, of course, see the value in Facebook in reaching new markets. I do agree that it can be a huge waste of time if one chooses to sit closed in a room and typing all day to people they consider friends but rarely meet.
(wait, that's what I'm doing right now!) ;-) However, most consumer use Facebook to keep up with friends they would normally have lost touch with due to jobs, travel and relocation.
That point aside, the facts of usage and target markets cannot be denied. Like it or not, think it stupid or not, the facts are there. It will affect golf's future, as will smartphones as they become even more powerful with more features.
If a club chooses not to use Facebook or the internet or any other new "tool", and that's what they are a tool just like the newspaper or magazines or the diner placemat, my question to them is, "have you considered the effect on your future?".
If the answer is no and we don't care, that's dangerous and not good business and clubs are a business. Maybe nothing changes in 15-20 years but it will change. If the answer is yes, and we don't care, then fine, you accept the consequences, good or bad fair enough.
The other example is cell phones. I understand a "no cellphone policy" and if your club can get it to work and not be a detriment to membership, great but for most it does not work. Everyone I know and do business with "works" 24/7 to some degree due to many factors, computers, emails, cell phones, a global economy...etc. Not being able to have my phone with me at the club would mean I can't be a member and most people I know in my generation would be the same.
That doesn't mean I get to abuse making calls while playing. That's rude, period. Anyone I have ever played with who wanted to take calls while playing, and I mean talk, set phone down, hit ball, continue talking, only got to play nine holes with Brian. I politely excused myself after the front nine but the message is clear. Take the calls at the clubhouse or at the turn, easy enough, all common sense. Probelm is, some don't have common sense but, did anyone speak to them directly about it or just enforce a policy on everyone because a minority are being idiots.
Sort of like slow play...punish the offender, not the entire community. But that's another thread.....