So, there I was, minding my own business on Facebook, when I received a notification that my account had been suspended for “violating their policies.” Naturally, I was taken aback. I mean, who knew that sharing cute cat videos and my latest beeswax candle creations could be so scandalous?
But here’s the kicker: they offered me a button labeled “Appeal.” Now, as someone whose native language is Latvian, I have a slight conundrum. When I think of the word “appeal,” I envision something attractive—like a charming cup of tea on a chilly autumn day or the allure of my beautifully renovated house.
Yet, Facebook seems to have a different definition in mind. Apparently, to them, “appeal” means pleading with a digital overlord to reconsider their decision. And guess what? I pressed that button! It felt like a mix between a desperate plea and a brave leap into the unknown.
Now, I find myself wondering: What if I don’t feel like appealing? What if I’m just here to enjoy the eye-catching memes and friendly banter? It’s like a cruel twist of fate: the very platform that used to bring joy has now become a source of frustration.
Will my appeal be heard? Will I get my account back, or will I have to find solace in greener pastures (a.k.a. Instagram or whatever’s trending these days)? Who knew social media could be such a rollercoaster ride?
In the end, maybe it’s time to embrace the unpredictability of the digital world. Whether I’m appealing for my account or just sipping tea while scrolling through my remaining platforms, one thing’s for sure: I’m ready to find my next source of online appeal!
Ilze
P.S. Do you have Facebook/Instagram account? What other accounts you have, share below!
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
I am sorry Ilze for your troubles. This is happening in all platforms and often quite unreasonable. I have found that the most flexible platform is WordPress, especially with free format. It is so far keeping blogs visible no matter what, while with paid domains, a blog will disappear as soon as for whatever reason, the author stops paying. In my experience I saw so many good blogs disappear into a thin air with plenty of interesting and valuable content. It means that even authors can’t retrieve the information from it. And it can be years of hard work, or even simple family memories. People are rarely that disciplined that keep everything as a backup. I have also found that even in WordPress Reader is hard to like or comment on posts that have independent domains. YouTube is good, but has the same unpredictable banning practices. Good luck for your appeal.
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It makes me wonder, why I share. When the blog disappears, have you tried adding .wordpress.com at the end?
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My only use of FB is to provide a link to my blog posts for those readers who don’t use WP.
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I tried to sign up for FB. They declined stating I was in violation of their policy. I’m not sure how, I’ve never been on FB. I appealed, they declined again. I gave up, and never looked back.
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Somehow, young kids always manage to figure things out! My daughter is only 9, and she secretly registered for Facebook—she lied about her age, and it went through without a problem! Meanwhile, here I am trying to set up my own account and create a page to share my blog, and I can’t get anywhere. And now I’m blocked for supposedly violating their rules! It’s crazy!
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I’m afraid they may only be interested in indoctrinating children, without parental involvement. I don’t trust Mark Zuckerberg. I think he may be the devil.
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I completely understand your concerns! It does feel like platforms are more focused on keeping kids engaged rather than involving parents in the process. Trusting these big tech companies, especially someone like Mark Zuckerberg, is tough. Sometimes it feels like they prioritize control over transparency, and it’s definitely unsettling! Let’s better go for walk!
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You are spot on, Scott. Indoctrination, just like the public skewl sistum today.
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Ilze, this is your chance to get away from FB, such a crooked platform. I had the exact same thing happen to me with Instagram a month ago now. I was banned for supposedly violating community rules. How? Why? Of course, they offer no exact reasons too.
I will never appeal that decision which was likely made by the computer system. Add to this the fact that I was banned three times from commenting for at least one week. IG is as abusive to it’s users as FB. I hope you walk away from FB and don’t ever try IG.
These platforms are not what they used to be which is much more fun and friendly. They want to control you while collecting your information and what you like and don’t like, then throw ads in your face. No more!
In the English language, some words have more than one meaning just like the word Appeal does. FB wants you to appeal their decision, or, you could say that a woman looks very appealing!
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I completely get where you’re coming from! It does feel like these platforms have lost the friendly, community-driven vibe they used to have. The lack of transparency with bans and decisions is especially frustrating—I can’t even tell what I supposedly did wrong.
For now, I’ve pressed the “appeal” button just to see what happens, but honestly, I’m starting to feel like walking away might be for the best. You’re right, the constant ads and data collection are exhausting. I haven’t been on IG much either, so leaving both might be a good idea.
Funny how words like “appeal” can have such different meanings! Maybe it’s time to look for something more “appealing” outside of social media altogether.
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Good reply, Ilze, you made me smile! Your comment is appealing!
I have read articles lately that indicate that people everywhere are getting fed up with social media and how bad they have become.
I have been goofing around on Imgur but it’s nothing like IG, only mildly entertaining. I also reactivated my Flickr account which is for photographers.
My blog is my best social media these days and has been so for many years now, well before 2016. I had different blogs that were not about photography but that niche fits me best. IG and FB have ZERO control too, perfect!
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I left Facebook about 10 years ago and never looked back. I have an Instagram account but, don’t post daily. I heard recently there’s a new social site that’s all the rage, but it went in one ear and out the other because I can’t remember the name of it. It’s not Tik Tok that’s been around a while now.
I hope you figure out what you’re going to do re:FB, stay or go.
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It sounds like you’ve found a good balance with social media! I’ve been hearing about new platforms too, but like you, I can’t keep track of them all—it’s overwhelming how many there are these days. TikTok seems to be everywhere, but I think this newer one is more about connecting communities in a different way.
As for Facebook, I’m still on the fence. I’ve appealed their decision, but part of me is ready to just move on. It’s good to hear that leaving worked out well for you! Maybe it’s time for me to do the same.
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With WordPress, Instagram, and Flickr I have more than enough of social media.
You’re right balance is the key!
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Ah, Flickr! I totally forgot I had an account there too! Do you use it to share pictures on your blog?
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Pretty much, but there are some images on flickr that don’t make it to my blog same with Instagram.
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Ugh! Facebook has a knack for misapplying its own community standards and unfairly blocking accounts (speaking from experience)… And their customer support is useless.
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There is no one! Or it feels like there is no support 🙂 And you feel addicted, like you can’t live with crapy facebook 🙂
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