While glancing through my facebook feed, I realized that virtually nobody expresses their political beliefs in their own words. Though I suppose many think that is what they are doing.
What one most often finds, though, is a brief introduction, such as "I support (or oppose) candidate or policy (whatever)." Then comes a link to what someone else wrote, or a link to an image that someone else created, which supports the declaration made in the introduction. In the most egregious examples of avoiding an expression of their own thoughts, the author proceeds to the cut and paste large sections lifted from a linked article.*
Really? I get it. To a degree. Few of us can write like Hemingway. So don't worry. Write in your own words and I'll muddle though the slop - because we're friends.
It is also well known people don't click on Facebook links. I get that, too. But what I don't get is why you would waste an opportunity to grab my attention by devoting so much effort to an article (or image) that anybody could find if they were interested. Isn't it better to write your own thoughts, rather than miming someone else's? After all, the only reason I see your posts on FB is because we are friends of some nature. So make your case in your own words to your friend sitting here. I'l pay attention because I know you and care about you. Then, because you have intrigued me enough that your thoughts are worth delving into further, feel free to add links that you feel I'll find informative and interesting.
What it comes down to is, I follow you because I want to hear what you have to say. Your snarled up phrases and lousy spelling and horrific grammar doesn't matter to me one whit. I find it all very charming. It reminds me of you, the person I hear and recognize deep in my bones, because I know that is what I would hear if I were standing with you while sharing a beer, or hanging out in a park. I would much rather hear you, than to divine what your political mime is trying to say. Show me your nuanced self, and I'll like and respect you even more.
* There's a fine line between fair use and plagiarism. While the chance of becoming embroiled in a lawsuit claiming plagiarism due to a FB post is exceedingly low, much of what I see being copied by a few people I follow would readily fall into plagiarism territory.