Dale Carnegie Principle # 1 is , “Never criticize, condemn or complain.”

This is an important life principle that applies to what we do in person as well as when we use social media.

This being said, I believe it’s OK to “critique, coach and council with care”, when given permission. Furthermore, you should pay attention to your audience and the messages you share. Here is a example of what I call social media failure.

I recently visited a Facebook page for a photographer in California and found this post on their Timeline:

“My open letter to photographers:

I have received 6 messages from local photographers about the where the location of the wildflowers are from the image I recently posted. A few weeks ago, when I posted an image from another shoot, I received 12 local photographers inquiring about the location. I use to share with everyone who asked. But it’s gets tiring. People take, take and take; without returning shared love. So my new approach is I share with those that share with me. And really, that list and my circle is very small. I don’t think I would out right ask a photographer where a location is. That to me is like asking what is your secret recipe to your cake. So here is my response to photographers looking to scout locations….

Get OFF Facebook … get out there! You can not scout from Facebook. With the saturation of established and influx of new photographers emerging daily in our community, I am finding the need to be more guarded with my locations. This is not done in haste, yet done so my work does not look like everyone else in town. I spend hours scouting locations, researching property owners, driving kids during nap times or fussy & fighting kids and using gallons & gallons of crazy expensive gas.

In short, I encourage you to scout your own locations. You will stand out and you never know the gem you will find. Don’t be afraid to be different.”

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This Facebook Page has over 2000 followers. The post had 120 Likes and 18+ supportive comments.

Although I have no significant argument with the basis of this statement, here is what I feel the business did incorrectly.

1. Publicly complained and criticized other photographers
2. 6 messages from peers does not justify this type of public response
3. Published this ranting (even if it was softly delivered) on the business page for the clients to see

I question the value of calling all of your clients and potential clients to their browsers to hear you complain, criticize and condemn.

I would rather call their attention to me sharing TRUHE (Transparent, Relevant, Useful, Honest & Engaging) content.