First of all, I just wanted to say I am devastated by the event in Connecticut.  As a mom of 2 grade school boys, I can’t fathom what the parents and community are going through right now.  So tragic. 

But as people behind social media icons and companies, how should we respond to these tragedies, if at all?  Is it appropriate to post anything or should we remain respectfully silent? 

We had an interested discussion on the Social Media Examiner wall with a wide range of opinions (including many who thought I was crass for even posting the question which was not my intent at all).  http://www.facebook.com/smexaminer/posts/10151279524149383

Did you post anything on Friday or over the weekend?  Do you plan on doing something later?  Wondering where people are at.

I personally believe that a Fan Page should at least acknowledge in a neutral objective way what’s going on in our daily life and in the news worldwide or local. It shows that the page/brand/service is close to its community. I also try my best to not leave any posts open to discussions because then it will turn into a fight and disrespectful comments. I don’t want to be deleting comments that may offend some people because the whole point is for them to interact right? Well, some people take it to the next level and it’s just not classy. I saw that a lot during election time!  Hope it helps.

@johnkelly, Actually, if someone was posting something caring, then yes I would appreciate it.  We do that on our personal Facebook pages all the time – often about or for someone we don’t know at all except through a mutual friend.  

I guess each administrator just needs to know their audience and try to gauge their reactions as best as possible.  If there is any question, then stay silent. 

@andrea-vahl, what is your take on it?  The majority of the bloggers out there seem to be suggesting not to say anything at all and make sure you change your scheduled emails and posts.  However, the posts that meant the most to me as a follower were ones that just had some heart-felt words or quotes. 

@johnkelly @asearfoss - Totally agreed with your last post. A post just showing caring, well wishes and leaving personal opinions out, it’s the best and safe way to go! A lot of things can get out of context and out of control easily in this social media world.

i did one or 2 minimal on my personal page and none on my   busness page…. it   is heavy on   my mind like  everyone…but  i didnt  want to go there on the page…couldnt  find the right words, didnt want to seem to   be  jumping on the  wagon…wasnt  sure if it  would  even  be  appropriate…

I did post an initial reaction to the event on Friday when it happened, but had a hard time even posting anything non related over the weekend. Everything I thought seemed so trivial compared to what had happened. I don’t know why, but in some way silence was my own way of mourning.

I’m with  @johnkelly . If I was ever remotely involved in anything so devastating I would appreciate comments on the official FB or memorial sites, but nothing else.  I felt a bit sick to be honest when I saw lots of blatantly shareable/likeable content going up on business FB sites.  How can it be right to profit even marginally from the tragedy? 

I was in the middle of a bunch of Twitter posts when I heard the news.  I stopped posting anything for the whole weekend, and started again on Monday.  Like  @dawnchitwoodrivers I couldn’t face engaging in anything trivial.  

I didn’t make posts on any of the pages I admin, or my personal page for that matter. I didn’t think it was appropriate, especially being from Canada and having such strong opinions about US policies that need to be addressed but that I don’t have a right to share at a time like this.