As a new member I have to say that I am torn. I use FB frequently, mostly to keep tabs on our teenagers, and those employees who think they can complain about the boss when he is not around. FB is a good resource, true. It is a wonderful avenue for businesses, and to reach out and contact folks around the world that you may have known at one point in your life.
BYC to me is a "home". I stumbled onto your site while doing research on chickens, coops, breeds, etc. I could not sign up fast enough and have to say that I feel welcome and never get that "stupid noob" feeling when I ask a question. While growth is important to us all in every aspect of our lives, so are our chickens! The idea has merit, and when you are approached by a mogul of his magnitude you are of course going to listen. Look at the big picture. Step back and think about what made you all create this site...Who out there wants a pop ups, advertisements, pictures that may not be very family oriented? I have my concerns and share the concerns of many of the others (I have read a lot of what has been written).
I understand that this is an opportunity, and one that must be looked at very diligently and from every angle. The one thing that you have to always remember is to never pay for the same real estate twice...those of you who have been in combat will understand that more than those who have not. What I am saying is simply never give up ground and have to recover it again. What you have achieved here is amazing, wonderful, and very well rounded (IMHO). As long as you consider that, along with all of the other benefits, and take the advice from those who have been around here the longest, you cannot go wrong.
I would say this to summarize: I am a HUGE BYC fan as it stands right now. I will follow the facebawk, beakbook, or whatever you choose as a name, but will most likely spend most of my time right here. From a "noob" I thank you for what you have accomplished, I appreciate you wanting us to all move forward, but in the end, you have to take into consideration the small things, like those who rely on selling eggs for income...I step down from my box and bow to the court....
