Facebook in lieu of website

Greg,

You asked for my thoughts so here it goes. If I was forced to go to Facebook, even for survival, I would end my misery by tossing the computer in the ocean. There are millions of lovers of it, but I am not one of them. Security is a bigger issue on the site every day. The FBI cannot keep up with creeps and security breaches on these social sites every day. As one alternative, set up a group site such as Yahoo. Only members of the HOA could have access to this type of site and it is secure from outsiders getting into the group.

Greg, I agree with the other posters that Facebook has it's issues for a HOA websites replacement. Things to consider:

(1) LESS PEOPLE WILLING TO SIGN UP ON FACEBOOK: Many people are opposed to being asked to join a social site like Facebook that makes your info public. So less people will be willing to sign up for your HOA site in general.

(2) HOW MUCH TRAFFIC DO YOU NEED? HOA websites are not high traffic and never will be. They don't need high traffic to be useful. The main uses of a HOA website are:
(a) 24x7 online library: An average owner will only need to access HOA info a few times a year at most (check the calendar, find a contact number, look up a rule, get a form, etc). However, each visit is HIGH VALUE even though there are less of them. If those few visits a year prevent a rule violation, add a few more people to a meeting or prevent extra questions to the board, then the small cost of the website is very much worth it.
(b) Place to 'push' information to members: If your site has an email blast capability then you can push information to the members. This is very useful.

(3) WHAT IMAGE DO YOU WANT ONLINE? Your HOA represents $millions in real estate value. When prospective buyers, Realtors or owners look online for you, what do you want them to find? A professional looking website with your own domain is the equivalent of a well done entrance sign. Facebook and other free sites are more like having volunteers hand paint the entrance sign on an old piece of wood (reputation wise).

OUR RECOMMENDATION: Keep your website if you like it or go get a new one if you don't (Community123, the builder of HOATalk offers free trials of it's website service). Do what Steve recommends and get the Facebook page only as a pointer to your website. It will help people find your HOA site and it won't cost you anything. Don't allow posts on your Facebook so you won't have to manage it.

Make sure the Facebook password is shared to all Board members and make the sure the main Facebook email is not someone's personal email (use one off your website domain).