When it comes to social networking sites, whether it is MySpace, Facebook, or whatever, I have a rule:  I only accept friend requests from people I have met personally.  Unlike a lot of folks, I don't find any value in collecting "virtual friends." For me, a list of virtual friends is just that -- a list of people on a flickering screen.  If I haven't met them in real life, they just might as well be characters on a TV program.

Other than this rule, I'm pretty laid-back.  If you want to add me as a friend, I don't require that we be long-lost college pals or old army buddies.  I just prefer that I have met you in person and have spent enough time with you to be able to like you.

How long is that ? It depends.  Sometimes, especially if you're an attractive woman, all it takes is a smile and a good joke.  Most of the time, though, a brief chat during faire or a conversation during the after-faire dinner will be enough. A handshake and a "Hi, I'm Baldric of Schmeng" during the last huzzah won't cut it. 

Sometimes, since I'm an inconsistent little hobgoblin, I'll make a rare exception. For example, if you're a ren faire stage performer who plans on playing my home faire, sure, I'll accept your friend request. But make sure you add me only if you intend to make the effort to meet me in person and chat a while.

Finally, if we have met and you do add me as a friend, please send me a message and let me know where and when we met. I'd hate to ignore your request because I don't recognize you in your profile photo.

In short, I want friends. . . not names on a list. Thanks for keeping this in mind.