No more HOA-related social media usage for me

Started by HenryS7 • 5 replies • 330 views

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HenryS7 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 336

Posted:

Well, I guess my time on social media as a Board member has come and gone.

We have a really good neighborhood group on the prominent social media channel. I've been using it as a communications tool to share information with homeowners for the past 2.5 years, and it's always worked out well until now.

However, a former board member made a comment talking about the legalities of a particular HOA function. This person is an attorney and advertises herself as such quite often, so people readily think that they knows all about legal stuff. They know I am not an attorney and thus likely assume that the former board member knows the law better than I do.

It turns out that this person makes up a lot of stuff to fit her personal outlook on life, but always claims that what she is saying is based on the law. So, I know her comment that she posted is not factual or based in the law but most homeowners don't know that.

So, I guess it's time to stop posting on social media. We'll discuss at the next Board meeting but I'm done posting...if another Board member wishes to take that on they are welcome to do so.

AugustinD
Posts: 3,698

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By HenryS7 on 02/04/2022 9:51 AM
It turns out that this person makes up a lot of stuff to fit her personal outlook on life, but always claims that what she is saying is based on the law.

That's a shame. And from experience, I know there is nothing you can do about her continuing to post. You can make announcements at Board meetings or in newsletters, and indicate something like, "So-and-so has said such-and-such. Our HOA attorney takes a different position. We are limited in what we can share from conversations with our HOA attorney. But I do want all owners to know that any questions of law that arise are taken to the HOA attorney for her/his opinion."

DavidG45 (Delaware)
Posts: 994

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By HenryS7 on 02/04/2022 9:51 AM
Well, I guess my time on social media as a Board member has come and gone.

We have a really good neighborhood group on the prominent social media channel. I've been using it as a communications tool to share information with homeowners for the past 2.5 years, and it's always worked out well until now.

However, a former board member made a comment talking about the legalities of a particular HOA function. This person is an attorney and advertises herself as such quite often, so people readily think that they knows all about legal stuff. They know I am not an attorney and thus likely assume that the former board member knows the law better than I do.

It turns out that this person makes up a lot of stuff to fit her personal outlook on life, but always claims that what she is saying is based on the law. So, I know her comment that she posted is not factual or based in the law but most homeowners don't know that.

So, I guess it's time to stop posting on social media. We'll discuss at the next Board meeting but I'm done posting...if another Board member wishes to take that on they are welcome to do so.

Before I was on our Board a resident started an informal Facebook page, which is very popular. IMO it causes too much division to be useful as a communication tool. I instead started a web site that has all of the information about our HOA that is public. It also allows them to register, which puts them on my email distribution list and gives them access to other things, such as a community directory.

I post information in the News section of the web site, and send regular emails updating everyone on community news. But there is no social media function - communication is one way; from me to the community. If they provide their cell phone I can even blast texts out, such as a warning to get their cars off the street when a snow storm is coming.

I never post on the Facebook page, and I have asked all committee members to refrain from posting on the Facebook page. Eventually something bad will happen. This policy came in handy when a local vendor angrily called me about getting trashed on the Facebook page. It was great for me that I was able to tell him that the HOA has nothing to do with that site, and that we don't even post on it.

MarshallT (New York)
Posts: 414

Posted:

I can understand that you're feeling frustrated, and frankly, you have no obligation to share information on social media.

If another board member does wish to take over this job, remind them that sticking to the facts is the best thing a board member can do. Do not engage with people who are looking for an argument.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Our attorney's take on social media:

* Don't. The downsides far outweigh the potential benefits.

* If you insist on it, have a robust Terms of Service agreement that is strictly enforced, and talk to your insurance agent to add additional liability protection.

* Moderate posts, remove posts that violate the Terms of Service, and remove access for users who repeatedly violate the Terms of Service. Don't whine about not having enough time, this is what you're asking for when you play in the social media pit.

* Board members should not post AT ALL. You do not speak for the board, anything you post can and will be misinterpreted, and replying to some posts and not others will be viewed as favoritism.

* The platform can and will be used by your Vocal Minority/Professional Complainers. You're enabling the bad behavior. That's on you.

* Don't.

You asked for it, you got it. Now you're surprised?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Say, Henry, you might think about asking the woman to cite the references for the "laws" or governing documents that she refers to if you return to the site.

With Cathy, tho', I also think it's best if board members stay off these sites.

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