I STILL don't do Facebook- I just don't have the time to mess with it and I don't want to get sucked in.

As for when to engage- for me the correct answer is that I never should, unless it's a place like this where people are respectful and genuinely open to new ideas. Most of the internet, though, appears not to be this way and it seem mostly a waste of time to try and engage people in any sort of meaningful conversation. I just figure I could spend that time more profitably with my family, watching TV, or clipping my toenails.

I have found the rare good discussions (mostly on this board) to be worth the effort, as they do help improve the way I see the world and process new thoughts and ideas.