Conflicted viewpoints

Lately I’ve become extremely conflicted about social networks. Even though I work for a non-profit, its strange that part of my job is to use social networks to basically advertise for the them. I can’t shake the feeling that I am infiltrating a place where people are genuinely communicating, and tricking them into doing something for the community center.

At the same time, I don’t think that organizations should be excluded from social networks. Its a good way for people to informally and easily communicate, as well as provide an open platform for discussion around that org. I think a lot of it just comes down to my own mindset when I enter facebook/twitter/vimeo on behalf of an organization. If I go in looking to honestly communicate with other people interested in my org, and with the hopes of collaborating or helping them in any way, I would feel good about what I am doing. But going in thinking, how can I get as many of these people to donate money, not only doesn’t work but makes me feel dirty and wrong.