I’ve recently heard a number of conversations debating the relative merits of Twitter and Facebook. I use both sites, and find them both extremely useful as social networking tools. Until recently, I had a widget that let Twitter automatically update my Facebook status. However, it was jamming up the newsfeeds of my Facebook friends, so I removed it.

I use Twitter to talk to friends and build contacts in the publishing world. I post links to interesting articles, retweet inspirational quotes, and occasionally link back to new posts my website. If someone starts following me on Twitter, the chances are I’ll follow them back. However, the thing you have to remember about Twitter is that it’s a public forum, and anyone can read your updates, so it’s best to think twice before bitching and moaning.

I have a Facebook profile and a Facebook page. A Facebook page is different from a profile in a number of ways: It’s visible to everyone, not just your friends, and anyone can become a “fan” simply by clicking a link on the page – which means your page will be listed on their profile. There’s no limit to the number of fans you can have. You can post artwork, links and photos on your page, and you can send updates to all your fans in one go.

I use my Facebook profile to keep in touch with friends and family. I also use it to network with editors, agents, publishers, and other writers. It’s slightly more private than Twitter, as I’ve tweaked the privacy settings on my profile so that my updates and activities are visible only to people on my “friends” list.

In addition, I use a number of other sites, including LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Red Room. Each one has a particular purpose, so I use each one slightly differently. For instance, I use LinkedIn  as a kind of online CV, to which I can point prospective employers;  whereas I use Goodreads to attract potential new readers. It wouldn’t do to mix the two together. As with any other sort of tool, you have to select the right website for the task you wish to accomplish.