How much info do you put on Facebook?

Hello!

I have a Facebook page for my business but my question is....how much information is too much? I've heard in passing (somewhere) about other painters stalking Facebook pages and stealing jobs based on your posts. Do you advertise your events ahead of time? I've seen other comments about being stalked at events by face paint groupies? Is this true? Has it happened to anyone? Do you remove older posts to keep the information to a minimum?...and the most IMPORTANT question, am I being PARANOID??

Thanks!
Paranoid Facebook User

I post a lot of pictures.
I post public events the same day or the day before.

I do not post private parties informations like I do not share a calendar on my website.

Some people just invite negative confrontations by their own way of communicating.


On my Facebook, I share pictures of my latest gigs.I hide the older posts as I update, so my page isn't flooded.
If I'm doing a special price, or a freebie, I announce that too. But any communication is PRIVATE MESSAGE.


I've checked the local competitions pages-I don't need to stalk though. They all have different styles of painting. One girl dresses up kinda silly but obviously her people love it. The other is a clown. One is a guy. Frankly, clients want what the want. I just am myself, and those people who want normal uniform but vibrant art call me.

I've had a few gigs stolen but not through Facebook! They apparently just contacted and talked my clients out of hiring me.

One girl took a gig I had in exchange for only 30 bucks for four hours. People like that get what they deserve- i lost a few hundred bucks that day, but at least I didn't have to replenish my kit and use my pay to buy fuel to get home.lol.instant karma.

I will post the day before where I will be for public events like festivals and openings.  Where the clients wants people to come to the event.  Private events are never posted.

After I will post photos and comment about how things went.

I don't post calendars.  My bookings are my business and people can contact me for availability - and they do.  I get a lot of messages on my FB business page from people wanting to book and ask questions.

So it is helpful to let people KNOW you are booked - you can just say generically that you have a party today.  Gives the impression you are busy, which is good.

Never give enough information for stalkers to figure out who to contact if it is a problem in your area.

And, frankly, groupies in face painting are repeat customers aren't they?  I have kids that show up at every event... and expect me to remember everything I've ever painted on them!!  

Shannon - LOL  Everything you ever painted them?

Nikkili26 - $30 for 4 hours...Wow.

Miss Yoko - A few days before is what I have been doing as well.

Thanks for all the suggestions!  I feel less paranoid now