Connecting people...Good or Bad?

Of all the things this social media space is, the one thing its good (and bad) for is accessing people, and finding out information that you wouldn't normally be able to get. Facebook is especially good for this, and I have recently come across many friends from as far back as primary school, and its great to have contact again. From a PR point of view, it is debateable as to whether or not adding Journalists as friends and mixing business with pleasure is really a good idea. I've heard a few Journalists comment that it is 'annoying' when PRO's add them to their facebook page, so unless you know them well enough- I'd advise you to steer clear!! That being said, however, I have come back into contact with Journalists with whom I used to work with and haven't seen for a while- and its a great way to build that relationship back up again. So Myspace is being used as a way to get closer to the source with News stories- and a way of finding people who without the use of social networking they would not find as easily. I can see the positives with this in some situations- but the example I just gave crossed the line. Some people need to realise when theres a story thats worth getting, and when to leave things alone. Hannah