I am finding Facebook to be a great tool for networking and connecting with people.

Since I started using last fall, I have connected with old friends, family members, new associates and some pretty big names. With Facebook, you can make contact with people who might otherwise be very difficult to reach.

I've added over 1000 friends, started a handful of groups and have discovered how to post items so others can see what I am up to.

But there is a dark side to Facebook.

I get bombarded with invitations to stupid applications, like Werewolves, Zombies and Slayers.

I add someone as my friend and pretty soon I am inundated with requests to compare my movie tastes or find out how "hot" I am.

And there is nothing worse than someone who invites you to every ridiculous application under the sun.

It's Facebook spam, and I have had...

ENOUGH!

There are two questions that I have been asking others about Facebook.

1) How do I delete and/or block a "friend" from my list?

2) How do I block being invited to annoying applications?

First things first.

I have had to delete a few people whose "Facebook friendship" has turned to harrassment.

Here's how you delete someone.

Click to their profile.

If they are as annoying as you think, you will encounter a very long page filled with every kind of nonsense under the sun.

Scroll ALL the way to the bottom of the page and you will find a handy-dandy link in the bottom left corner.

It is conveniently labeled "Remove from Friends"

Click it with great joy!

Now, what if someone sends you annoying unsolicited messages via Facebook?

Click on the message and just next to the offender's photo is a link that says "Report message".

When you click this link, you will have an opportunity to permanently block this individual from contacting you on that account. Easy!

Ok, so what about the applications from hell?

You CAN block all invites from individual applications! It's true!

Go to the application that you wish to erase from the face of the earth.

In my case, the applications include Werewolves, Zombies, Vampires and Slayers.

You can do a search and then check the applications results.

Click "view application".

And there it is. On the right side just a few links below the large "Add Application" button.

There is a link that says "block application" and it is your link of salvation.

Click it.

Then you can smile knowing that the application will never again darken your profile.

Of course, you can groan when you realize that there are hundreds more applications that your so-called friends will be inviting you to join.

Ah, well. It's not a perfect world. but hopefully these tips will make your Facebook experience just a little more enjoyable.