I come to you today with some disheartening news. My personal Facebook account has been hacked and in turn, our business page for Hatchlings & Hens. The hackers used my personal account to post photos that violate Facebook’s terms of use, causing both accounts to be disabled. I have since been able to regain the ability to login to Facebook (the hackers changed my primary email address), but the account is still disabled while Facebook reviews the malicious posts. I’m not hopeful that it will be restored. According to the message I received after requesting a review, Facebook is limited on reviewers due to the pandemic, and not all requests are being honored. This is the second time in a year that our Facebook account has been compromised. Regaining access is both time consuming and an incredibly frustrating process.
So what does this mean? As you probably know, Facebook is one of the primary ways we communicate new products, classes, sales, etc. Fortunately, I have worked hard to build an email list, and I’m thankful to have access to this avenue for communication. If my account is restored, I may not be utilizing the platform in the future. It means giving up over 5,000 followers, but it also means I will have more control over how information for Hatchlings & Hens is received.
What I’m asking of you… Because Facebook will not be an option in the foreseeable future, I ask that you support us in some other ways:
1. Continue to read our emails! I’m making a pledge to be more consistent in sending monthly emails with new product information, class updates, and any other pertinent information.
2. If you do not already, follow us on Instagram! Please head over to that platform and start following us under the handle @hatchlingsandhens.
3. If you need to reach us with any questions, please DO NOT message us through Facebook. I’m currently unable to see if I have messages, read, or respond to any messages. Here are some other ways you can reach us:
- Direct message through Instagram
- Email hatchlingsandhens@gmail.com
- Call/text (319) 610-3223 (I’m not always able to answer calls, but always leave a message and I will do my best to get back to you!)
4. Share with your friends what has happened! Since most of our followers on Facebook are unaware that we can’t access our account, it would be greatly appreciated if you could share the news with your inner circle. Forward this email to your contacts, copy and paste some of it to a post on your own social media, share our Instagram account with your followers. Whatever way you can help us get the word out!
5. As always, you can stay up to date on our most current happenings through our website. It’s also a great way to see what’s new in the shop – we have an online store.
Here’s the bottom line: While the prospect of saying goodbye to Facebook is scary, I know it will make this ‘lil biz better and stronger in the long run! Social media is such an integral part of our daily lives, but I’m confident my biggest cheerleaders will continue to find us in other ways. There are so many pieces to running a small business, and it’s unfortunate that our limited time needs to be spent chasing ghosts like these hackers. But if the last couple of years has taught me anything – it’s that Hatchlings & Hens will persevere. Our friends, like YOU, always have our back. And I’m so very thankful to be able to ask for your help yet again.
Take care! Stay safe! Be healthy!
~ Katie
