Facebook has exploded in recent weeks. Last week alone I received eleven offers. The overture states "(name) wants to be friends on Facebook."

These have come from people I already consider friends (without electronic documentation or authentication). Included were coin dealers, medallic sculptors, a U.S. mint engraver, assorted numismatists, and even your E-Sylum editor, Wayne Homren. I haven't responded to any of these, and until I had to write this message I really didn't know why.

My first thought was "I'm too busy, I'd rather devote my time to my numerous book projects and my new association with Medallic Art Company in addition to my commercial venture with partner Mark Schlepphorst in Signature Art Medals." But, really, I argued with myself, shouldn't I take time to be friendly with someone who is extending a friendly gesture?

Then I realized my real reason: I am slow to adopt new fads. I saw in my mind Facebook as a kind of diary, a public diary of an individual's activities. At my age I want to devote every modicum of time to my chosen numismatic projects. I probably won't live long enough as it is to write all the numismatic books I would like. Do I even want to read a friend's Facebook entries? Could Facebook be a Fadbook?

I DO want to be friends with the multitude of people I have met in the numismatic field. Thus I so look forward to the Boston ANA Convention in two weeks. I will be attending for the full week. It will be something like my 30th ANA convention but I haven't attended the last few years.

This year I want to meet a lot of old friends and make new ones. So I am pleading, stop by my bourse table # 1 - 2 - 3 - 0 (center isle, across from the escalators). It is a combination of Signature Art Medals -- Medallic Art Company and it is more educational exhibit than commercial venture. We will have four medals and a lithograph for sale, but I want to meet and chat with you. Look over our medallic items on exhibit. Pick up and handle dies and hubs. Please ask questions.

Meanwhile I need to be convinced to respond favorably to all those Facebook entrees.