Despite the fact that I've talked about everything personal on our blog from an episode of explosive diarrhea and simultaneous projectile vomiting on a Mexican Hwy to our monthly cruising expenses, I've never been a big fan of the social media rage know as Facebook. Amy and Jason have a Facebook account to keep in touch with their cruising friends but Lori and I have never felt the desire for a Facebook account.

As some background, let me explain a bit for those that don't know how a Google Search works on the internet. First if you don't come up these days on a Google search for all intents and purposes, you DON'T EXIST. So it is very important for a company to be "found" by Google and the higher up the search ranking you are, the more people will come to your site. The goal of any company is to be "above the scroll" on page one of the Google search results. The first 5 slots get the most traffic and is where you want to be compared to the bottom of page 5, because no one typically makes it to page 5 of a Google search. So then how does Google scan the internet and decide what order to list search results. Ah...if I knew that exactly Google would have to kill me with an armed drone because that is a highly secretive algorithm. But what is known is that Google looks for: good keyword content, the number of mentions and links you have on the internet going back to your site, and Google loves social media like Facebook. This is why almost every company these days has a Facebook page and tries to get the most likes possible, to improve their ranking on a Google search.

So here is my dilemma. I could stand firm to my belief that Facebook will be the next Myspace or pet rock rage and suffer the Google search ranking consequences by not having a company Facebook page OR I can roll over, sell out, and create a Cruise RO Water and Power Facebook page! Smug arrogance has a way of fading away when you are paying $4.50 for gas and $7.95 for a Combo "value meal" number 14 at Carl's Jr. So without even feeling a smidgen of guilt I will prostrate myself to the pop culture and create a Facebook page and ask my friends and family to "like me".

I'm still new to this Facebook game, but what I do know is that without people "liking you" it's all just a waste of time. Of course Lori has been quick to remind me that "those who like me best, know me least"...#$!!@? I'm still trying to figure that one out, but I guess maybe making internet friends is indeed my best option, I just won't imagine people "liking me" while in their underwear from their parents basement.

So for you blog readers out there that have a Facebook account, I would be appreciative if you could take a moment and "Like" me over at the Cruise RO Water and Power Facebook page. Besides if a company selling Toilet Plungers can get over 1,000 likes surely I can manage to get 100 right?

Here's a link to the Page:
Cruise RO Water and Power on Facebook

After being back aboard the boat not even long enough to relax off I flew to Florida to attend the SSCA (Seven Seas Cruising Association) GAM in Melbourne, Florida. What is a GAM? It's an old nautical term for a party! The SSCA is a wealth of information on all topics Cruising and I would recommend the SSCA to anyone either already out cruising or in the planning and outfitting phase. My trip out to Florida isn't just for another cruisers potluck party, but to give a presentation on water makers and actually set-up and demo run a 20 GPH water maker. It's a good thing that the presentation doesn't start until 10:30AM, because the 3hr time difference when combined with the long travel day has me pretty beat.

Despite the rumors that I'm sure Lori is spreading,the road show travel game isn't as glamorous as it's made out to be, how many fast food meals can you actually eat on a 5 day trip before your kidney shuts down? Back to the boat on Monday, then off to Morro Bay for another new adventure.

If you haven't seen me at a Boat Show....well this is what it's like in all the Boat Show Glory. Not too exciting or glamorous I know but maybe if I was to throw in a super Shame or a set of steak knives I could try out for the "Pitchmen" reality show? Ok maybe not...I'm a better Live aboard Bozo hobo than I am a salesman. Here is a little video we made of me yacking away at the Seattle Boat Show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc_LWONpyh8&feature=plcp%v