Andrea Graves, pictured at the right, is the newest member of the Scrapper’s Guide Team. Her official title is Public Relations Director, which means she’ll be helping Scrapper’s Guide keep in touch with YOU through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
To kick off our new Scrapper’s Guide Facebook Page, we added a FREE video tutorial to our Page for your enjoyment, and we plan to throw a virtual party when we reach 500 fans! Here’s Andrea to tell you more about Facebook and Twitter:
Let’s start with Facebook
Facebook provides an easy way for friends to keep in touch and for individuals to have a presence on the web without needing to create a website. Facebook users can create and customize their own profiles with photos, videos, and information about themselves.
Here are some common FACEBOOK TERMS:
Facebook Wall: Each Facebook profile has a “wall,” where friends can post comments. Since the wall is viewable by all the user’s friends, wall postings are basically a public conversation. If you have something more personal to talk about, there is a private message feature which allows you to send an e-mail to a person’s inbox.
Status Updates: A brief description of what you are doing right now. Updates always show your name. You can leave the update field empty when you go online, or you can type what’s on your mind right now. For example: “Andrea Graves is wondering what to make for dinner tonight…. any suggestions?” Then other people can come comment and make their suggestions. It’s just fun!
Facebook Applications (aka Facebook Apps): There are a lot of applications (or apps) on Facebook. These are small programs developed specifically for Facebook profiles. There are informational apps, such as news feeds and weather forecasts, and there are just-for-fun apps, like video games, etc. I personally don’t use too many of the apps, but I know plenty of people who love them and swear by them! How you customize your profile page is entirely up to you.
Facebook Page: A Facebook Page is a customizable presence for an organization, product or public personality to join the conversation with Facebook users. Now that Scrapper’s Guide is on Facebook, you will be kept in the loop whenever there’s any exciting news, challenges, give-aways, contests, new digital scrapbooking info, etc., once you become a fan of our Scrapper’s Guide Page found here.
To kick off our new Facebook Page, Linda Sattgast uploaded a video on how to make a scalloped mat. She used paper from Michelle Coleman’s “In Pursuit of Liberty” kit for the scalloped mat pictured here. To view the video and download step-by-step instructions, go to the Scrapper’s Guide Page, and click on the Video tab.
Fan: You become a fan of Scrapper’s Guide by clicking on the Fan button on our Page. We’d like all of you to become a fan, and we’d like you to tell your friends about our Page so they can become a fan, too! When we reach 500 fans of Scrapper’s Guide, we’ll throw a virtual party with prizes and fun!
What are the advantages of joining Facebook?
I have some friends I lost touch with when we moved during my childhood, and we all found each other on Facebook. It was so fun to reconnect with them! My high school has a page on Facebook, and it’s been really fun finding people I haven’t seen in almost 20 years and keeping up with reunion information.
You don’t have to be friends with anyone unless you want to. To become a friend, accept someone’s friend request, or send a friend request to someone else. You can set your profile to have it only viewable by people you accept as your friends on Facebook. That is how I have my personal Facebook profile setup.
Where to sign up for Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Signing up is easy. You will just be asked for your name, email, password, gender and birthday.
What is Twitter?
Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as “tweets.” Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to the author’s subscribers who are known as followers. Many people use mobile text messaging that is easy to set up through their phones.
Why should I Twitter?
Twitter keeps you connected to the friends and family members you follow. It’s a social networking tool. It’s just fun!
To use Twitter, all you have to do is take time once or twice a day to post what you are doing. I see tweets about all sorts of things, like a good sale at a store, a photoshop tip, or quotes. Even a missing child Amber alert has come through on Twitter. It can be very useful.
Twitter has it’s own language.
Here are some of the basic TWITTER TERMS:
Tweet: an individual message in Twitter
Retweet or RT: Resending a message that someone else sent. For example: if my friend, Melanie, sends out an important message about a local highway being closed due to an accident, then I could post the same message so that people who follow me, but don’t follow her, would see it. But it’s much easier to just “retweet” the original message by using copy and paste to grab her entire message and add “RT @” in front of the message.
Tweeple: You guessed it: Twitter + people. This also can be called “tweeps” or “peeps.” So instead of saying, “Hi, guys!” you would say, “Hi, Tweeps!”
Twitterverse: Twitter + universe. Twitter.com itself and anywhere else you can twitter and read tweets from, such as cell phones.
At: To “at” someone is to send a personal tweet that starts with “@” followed by their Twitter ID. It directs a twitter at another person, and causes your twitter to save in their “replies” tab. For example: @scrappersguide I love the new video tutorial you just put up on Facebook!
D username + message: this sends a person a private message that goes to their device, and saves in their web archive. Example: d lindasattgast do you want me to grab you lunch while I’m at Subway?
Following: When you want to get someone’s updates, the easiest way is to click the follow button on their twitter page. Then you’ll be able to see their tweets on your twitter page as well as your own.
Where to sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup
You’ll be asked for your name and email address, and to create a username and password.
Once you’ve signed up for Twitter, visit http://twitter.com/ScrappersGuide and sign up to follow us! (If you decide you’d rather not get our tweets later, you can always un-follow us. We won’t be offended!)
Both Facebook and Twitter are a lot of fun! I hope you take the plunge and try them out! You will be surprised how many people you know that use these. And now that Scrapper’s Guide is on both Facebook and Twitter, we’ll be able to communicate with you more often in quick little messages – making it fun and keeping you in the loop so you always know what’s new and exciting in the land of digital scrapbooking!
Remember to stay tuned for some fun give-aways we’ll be doing on Facebook in the next week or so! 
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t want to do either Facebook or Twitter, but I don’t want to miss out on what’s going on at Scrapper’s Guide. I hope that we will still get emails and information on the Forum.
Shar, I’m with you – I also do not want to do either Facebook or Twitter, but I don’t want to miss out on what’s going on at Scrapper’s Guide…
The weekly Tip of the Week newsletter is not going away, and that is our main source for what is going on at Scrapper’s Guide. Facebook and Twitter are just different ways of receiving information that some people enjoy more or are more comfortable using, and they are sometimes faster ways of communicating. Some people have trouble receiving our newsletter due to problems with their internet provider, but they can access information online via Facebook or Twitter.
So don’t worry—if there is something important to hear, you’ll hear about it in the conventional ways!
I love Facebook! Can’t wait to see Scrapper’s Guide on it.
This is great! Now I can catch up on Face book AND Twitter! What a great Idea!
Thanks All!
I don’t mind Scrappers Guide being on Facebook or Twitter, but I would prefer they did the weekly tips here at Scrappers Guide.
BTW, thanks for the scalloped tag tip. It sounds like a fun one to use.
You’re welcome! I had fun making my “Sternwheeler” page with the scalloped tag, so I hope you find a good page to use it on.
That´s cool I use Facebook so on to become your fan:) but I hope the weekly tips will continue here, because I LOVE them
Don’t worry about the weekly tips. You’ll still find them here!
And thanks for the video! I always learn something new from you! That direct selection tool info was a revelation to me.
Great idea to be on Facebook (and Twitter…although I don’t feel comfy in Twitterverse yet, I know lots of people who live there)!
Embrace Facebook! It’s so much fun. I have re-connected with friends and family I haven’t seen in 10, 20 + years! Glad Scrapper’s Guide is on Facebook now.
Thank you for keeping the Tip of The Week Newsletters. Thanks also for the scalloped edge video. I’ve been a member of Scrapper’s Guide Premier for awhile and I’m still learning. I didn’t know about the direct selection tool. All tutorials have been wonderful.
I’m new on facebook, but have found friends I thought I’d never find again! I’ve been with Scrapper’s Guide almost since the beginning, and loved the way it has evolved – I will be a fan on facebook, but I would be very disappointed if it were to weaken or disappear with this expansion.
I agree, Facebook is such a fun way to find old friends that seem to have dropped off the earth! That is great you have been with us from the beginning – we appreciate your support! And no worries, Facebook is meant to be another way to connect with Scrapper’s Guide, not to replace what we’ve been doing all along.
Scrapper’s Guide will continue as it always has – with the same newsletters and communication you are used to receiving. Facebook and Twitter are fun additions for Scrapper’s Guide – that we hope you all will enjoy!
I love this! I’ve using FB for a long time and Twitter in the last few months.
I was so happy when Scrapper’s Guide began formatting Tip of the Week and other items on PDF files. I love it because I have the choice of saving the PDF file and/or printing it out. Now I can print just one page quickly and everything in my notebook looks consistent. This current Tip of the Week doesn’t give me that choice, and I’d like to add it to my collection for reference on the use of Facebook & Twitter. I look forward to the day when all tips, tutorials etc. are offered in PDF formatting. Does anyone else feel this way?
I am glad to hear and hope it will remain so. That you will continue with your newsletter. I don’t want to use either Facebook or Twitter. I tried Facebook its just too much. With all the emails about “friends” and just wading through it all. I vote to just keep using your newsletter. Not that you asked for a vote. Your newsletter is great. And is very helpful as I begin to learn all this.
I have never really wanted to join Facebook, even though a few friends have. This gives me a good excuse to give it a try. I’ll do for you Linda!
And I agree with Patricia. I like the PDF files for reference later. I refer back to my print outs many times. I will often go to the beginning of my stash and think…oh yea, that’s how I did that!
This year I made a commitment to try new things and joining Scrapper’s Guide and vowing to learn all I could about Photoshop was the first thing I did. Now with a little “push” from Scrapper’s Guide I will find myself exploring Facebook and Twitter – whew – who knew? I’m nervous but looking forward to it. Thanks so much! What next??!!
Thanks for the tutorial on Facebook & Tweeter. I belong to both but didn’t really know how to use them correctly etc. Heading on over to become a fan!! This is exciting.I do agree with the previous posters about having the PDF versions of tutorial etc available cause I print out them. I know that someday my computer will crash!! Last night we had an electrical storm here & my computer blinked but I have a surger so ok
Where is the link for the PDF format of this TOTW? Also, I really do not want to join Facebook or Twitter, so, in effect, you are forcing me to do so if I want to get your tutorial on making a scalloped mat, and I don’t think that’s fair. Will the scalloped mat be available in a TOTW or another link later?
Hi vickilou,
Thanks for your comment, and I appreciate your concern! We will continue to provide the Tip of the Week as usual, so you’re not missing out on anything routine. We offer lots of free information on this site, and you’re welcome to participate in all or none of it—your choice!
For example, we have lots of great information in the Forum, but only a small percentage of the people who get my newsletter become a forum member and actively participate. Again, it’s your choice.
Facebook and Twitter are no different. They are an added benefit, but you can choose not to participate. The newsletter and Tip of the Week won’t be diminished because of them. So, in essence, if you choose not to participate, nothing has changed for you—you still get lots of great information every week, just like you always have!
I didn’t make a PDF because this isn’t a digital scrapbooking tutorial and we plan to keep it on our site as a reference, but enough of you have requested a pdf, so I’ll ask Allison to make one for you and post it sometime today.
I agree with all the folks who don’t want to join Facebook or Twitter but want to continue to receive all of your wonderful content in the familiar email format. I also am thrilled with all the newsletter tips being available as pdf downloads — before that I had to copy/paste the whole thing to OneNote to save them. Btw, I’m not a Facebook member but was still able to view your page there & also was able to see the video tutorial & d/l the accompanying pdf. Thanks again for all that you do!
You’re welcome!
Regarding Facebook, I just realized today that you could view the page without being a Facebook member or becoming a fan. The advantage of becoming a fan is that after this promotion is over, our announcements will be in your updates on an ongoing basis. Also, the prizes will only go to fans.
Again, though, this is your choice. There are things happening all over the web that you could be involved with, so you have to pick and choose what suits you the best. Facebook and Twitter are NOT for everyone!
If anyone is on the fence, though, I would encourage you to at least check it out. You might find it to be fun. Then again, you may not!
On our Scrapper’s Guide website, though, you can continue to expect the things we’re known for: Lots of free information via the Tip of the Week and wonderful support through our Forum.
I guess we’re in the minority, but I too don’t use Facebook or Twitter. I love the newsletter and tip of the week though. Keep up the great work, Linda and your talented team!
Bummer – I only have high speed internet access at work, and “social networking sites” are censored – I’d visit them if I could!
I have joined both Facebook and Twitter but don’t always go there very often. Some days I find I spend too much time just cruising on the Internet and checking everything out and no time left to work on cards on scrapbook things or anything else. I love the new pdf format and am not such a big fan of Facebook and Twitter…too much info to wade through. I am still trying to find time to learn PSE!!!!
There is a link now to a pdf of this tip but it doesn’t work. I got this message just now when I clicked on it.
Ooops!
The page you tried to view does not exist. You may have typed a wrong URL or followed a broken link.
Try it again. It should work now.
Thanks for letting me know about the broken link!
Currently I was able to view the video and download the Whimsy file without becoming a Facebook member. Will that always be the case or will I have to become a member in order to receive the “goodies” that are on Scrapper Guide’s Facebook page in the future?
I enjoyed looking at the Scrapper’s Guide Facebook page, but would rather not have to become a member of Facebook.
You will be able to view and download anything on the page without becoming a member of Facebook, but, after this week, you generally won’t be advised when something new gets put there. You could always check in once in awhile to see what’s up. That may be all you need—Facebook isn’t for everyone.
Only fans, however, are eligible for the prize drawings this week or any other time, and you will not be able to post comments or join in any discussions unless you’re a Facebook member.
So, it’s your choice!
I wasn’t on Facebook either until this week but I’ve embraced the technology and my daughter is rapt. She said that now I would know, “what’s going on”! She has photos there I never knew existed. My younger nieces and nephews aren’t so sure. Their territory has suddenly been invaded by the older generation. But they’ve let me become their “friend”! I think it will be a lot of fun. So do join us if you feel you’d like to take the plunge.
I’m not a facebook person either but do have an account, I would rather come here then a different website. If we want all the information and goodies we will have to visit both sites correct?
Hi Jodys,
It’s no different than the Forum or any other page on our site. To get to the Scrapper’s Guide forum you click on the Forum link on our left side navigation. To get to our Facebook page, click on the round Facebook symbol at the top, left of any Scrapper’s Guide web page.
Once you come to our Scrapper’s Guide Facebook Page, you can read anything that’s going on there, but, just like our Forum, where you must be signed in to post, you must be signed in to Facebook to post.
Also, contests held on Facebook will award prizes only to Fans of our page.
I do not have time to do the Facebook or Twitter thing..I love all the good stuff you make available to us, but would like to see the tutorials etc. that will be posted on Facebook be available in your weekly newsletter also (for those of us who struggle just trying to make time for a little scrapbooking and learning PS or PSE). I save all the tutorials and hope to have more time to use them one day..I do not want to miss some of them just because I can’t make time to do Facebook. Thanks for all you do!