I have never been able to put my finger on why I love this band so much…but I do. Both this song and the video, which are from the upcoming album Contra, do not disappoint.

Many of my friends have decided to part ways with Facebook. While I respect their reasons for doing so, I would like to give a few reasons why Facebook is so important and why blogging won’t fill the void. I would also like to predict that these ex-Facebookers will return someday.

Now for the reasons why Facebook is important.

Reason #1 – It’s Not Just About You

I know that the decision to quit is entirely up to you, but the genius of Facebook is that it connects people. Now maybe it is not the type of connection you are wanting, but maybe it is the type of connection others are wanting with you. More than half of my friends do not live close enough to visit but I can keep them updated on what is going on in my life and in my family’s life. Sure I could call, but both parties have to be available at the same time and all you can do is talk…you can’t see video, pictures, or text. Facebook allows you to connect with people on a grander level (or a less grand level if that is what you want). If you read this and then think to yourself, “But I don’t want to connect or reconnect with half of these people.”, then your problem is not with Facebook, but with an inability to say no to someone, so let’s not blame Facebook for that. If you desire face to face relationships, you can have those too, are you honestly thinking that Facebook makes you have less face to face relationships? I don’t believe that.

Reason #2 – Easier Than Email

It is much easier to organize a group of people to do something with Facebook. I am not talking about the events or group features, but the beauty of writing a note to multiple people and seeing all the conversations in a threaded form, something you cannot due with Facebook.

Reason #3 – Facebook Rules and Blogging Drools

Blogging is dead. And yes, I know the irony here since I am writing this in my blog, I would put it on Facebook, but it’s intended audience would not see it. Let me rephrase this, personal blogging is dead, journalism blogging is very much alive. Facebook is far superior to personal blogging, because you know your friends will see stuff, while they might not even know that you updated your blog. People immediately know when you have put new pictures of your kids on Facebook. It is also more rich with features. You can tag photos, so if I only want to see photos with certain pictures I can, or if someone tags me, I can instantly see that photo to make sure I am wearing a shirt. You can also comment on individual things rather than a whole group of pictures. Putting your personal thoughts, photos, music, and videos on Facebook is a much better way to pass along your life than a blog. If you read this and think to yourself, “But I blog for me, not for others.”, then what you are looking for is a diary not a blog. Bottom line if you blog, you want others to see it and more importantly you want your friends to see it. And where are they? That’s right Facebook!

Reason #4 – I Love Technology

We live in the 21st century and every aspect of our lives have embraced technology. We can share music, videos, and photos to anyone in the world. That is amazing and Facebook allows us to utilize this more than any other service. You can hate status updates all you want, but I have seen some amazing videos and discovered some great music because others pass along the stuff that moves them.

Reason #5 – The New Facebook Layout

I know many people don’t like the new look of Facebook, but it allows users to only see what they want to see, because we all know there are a lot of silly things out there. I take all the dumb quizzes, but you don’t have to and you don’t have to see when I do. It is totally customizable, so you can’t really complain about about the silliness anymore. You are in control.

Final Thoughts – Do What You Want

Seriously do what you want, I see most of you in real life so it doesn’t effect me too much, I will even read your blog posts, but just know that I “Facebook miss you”.

Cool Sigur Rós video of them playing an impromptu song at a cafe in Paris last November.

Sigur Ros – Við spilum endalaust – A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.