You are not alone and you have some great reasons to go. When writing your screed, please keep in mind a few things…

Keep it short. These days there are a million and three posts out there about the evils of Facebook. I know Grandma Sue isn’t paying close attention to the social media news and you want to explain to her what Facebook is doing that is driving you away, but the many of your other friends have read the same complaints over and over again. So go ahead and let us know why you’re leaving, but state your reasons clearly and succinctly. Perhaps include links to places where people could learn more about the particular issues driving you away. You might also want to include a few links to articles and services that explain how to make Facebook a bit more safe.

Keep it about Facebook. Please do not insult those who choose to remain with the service. You and hundreds of others have made the point and, yet, when balancing out the costs and benefits ourselves, we are not yet to the point where the costs outweigh the benefits of (re)connecting with old friends, playing games, posting status updates.  We may get there, but we are not there yet. Your inability to understand that by implying that anyone who chooses to remain has the intelligence of a gnat makes you look like you’re leaving, not because of any issues you might have with Facebook, but because you want to be cool (or anti-cool). You were the same way in high school. We know. We were there.

Keep in touch. One thing that has been particularly troubling to me is that every “I’m quitting facebook!” post implores people to keep in touch, but few make mention that they will try to do the same. I really do appreciate you letting me and the rest of your friends know how to reach and where else to find you on the internets, but it’d be nice if you’d ask your friends to let you know how to reach them. That’s the thing about relationships, they are not one sided. Asking folks to come to you is fine, but at least imply that you’d like to know how to find to them. You know, since you’ll not be able to find them on Facebook once you leave.

And now that you’re leaving, enjoy your Facebook-free life. But make it Facebook-free. You don’t need to remind us, repeatedly, that you left and our lives would be so much better if we would leave. By this point, we either know or we just don’t care. We also know that your favorite band sucks and that you should get a Mac.

(seriously, though, you should get a Mac ;))