How about a Facebook group (or page, or both) for Physics Overflow?

Question

How about a Facebook group or (or page, or both) for Physics Overflow? I think it could bring a lot of new members here. Some dislike Facebook, but it's a fact that a lot of interesting discussions about everything (including physics, and including thoughtful posts by qualified physicists and serious amateurs) happen there. The group could be used, for example, to bring some interesting Q/A threads (I guess especially those of a fundamental conceptual nature) to the attention of a wider audience. Of course, the risk is that a Facebook presence could attract too much noise.

Comments

I generally like this idea, and I think if we clearly communicate the level and purpose of PO, the potential crap we could get should be finite ...

But personally I am among those paranoid FB sceptical people who have not even a registerred account there. And I am not planning to make one, unless I find a method to successfully do so without giving that company too much personal information which should be none of their  business.

So it should be somebody else who creates a representation of PO on Facebook.

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@Dilaton - Yes, I read you. I understand. I am in the fortunate position of not having to give a damn about Facebook's privacy policy. I use to say that, if the spooks and their friends want to know all about me, they can just get on my Facebook's friend list to receive real-time updates. Also, name recognition does more good than harm to me. But I understand that others aren't in this position.

If Physics Overflow wants to create a Facebook group, I would be happy and honored to assist. As I said, the group could be used, for example, to bring some interesting Q/A threads (I guess especially those of a fundamental conceptual nature) to the attention of a wider audience.

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Maybe we can suggest in the answers to this thread different parts/components the representation of PO on FB should contain and vote on them ...

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Something like the Google Plus page?

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@Dilaton - I posted an answer as you recommend.

@dimension10 - I didn't know of the Google+ page, I am following it now. The Google+ page is an announcement-only page (followers can't post). I think a Facebook group should allow members to post.

Answer 1

My take on the desirable features and uses of a Facebook group:

It should be a closed group (viewers must apply to join and be approved, otherwise it would soon be taken over by spammers) but visible in the groups list, and advertised.

Members should be allowed to post.

Used to bring selected interesting Q/A threads (I guess especially those of a fundamental conceptual nature) to the attention of a wider audience.

Used as a channel for light discussion and chat.

Comments

I'm not sure what the purpose of allowing people to post there would be -- that's what PO is for.

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Does the closed group mean, that only the approved members would be able to post, but everybody can read the content?

Maybe it would be better to determin a fixed rather small number of trusted people who are active enough members of PO, who are responsible to select interesting threads to be mentioned on the FB page?

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@dimension10 - Allowing members to post is a way to build an engaged audience. Announcement-only FB pages don't get much following if the brand is not already established and popular. Members could post light comments not suitable for PO, external links, or beginner level questions. Of course the goal should be to motivate the audience to follow up on PO.

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@Dilaton  re "Does the closed group mean, that only the approved members would be able to post, but everybody can read the content?"

In a closed FB group only approved members can read. There are three settings for posting permissions: 1 - Only admins can post. 2 - Members can post directly. 3 - Members can submit a post for approval by admins.

Re "Maybe it would be better to determin a fixed rather small number of trusted people who are active enough members of PO, who are responsible to select interesting threads to be mentioned on the FB page?"

Yes, that's the role of group admins. A group can have multiple admins. The initial choice of admins is up to the group creator, then the admins can manage the group, including appointing new admins.