We asked online readers of The Durango Herald if they were bothered by Facebook’s use of personal data and if they are considering quiting the social media website.

Here are the responses:

Ralph Shoemaker: I almost left Facebook, but then I realized that if my data had been “sold,” it was my own fault because I failed to pay attention. When we allow an “app” access to our account, it tells us up front that the app is going to take our information and perhaps our friends’ information.

By disabling the “App Platform,” we stop that from happening. Facebook didn’t “take” our data and sell it – we allowed that to happen by enabling the App Platform, and playing games, taking a quiz, or commenting on news where the commenting required a Facebook login.

Are there better ways Facebook could have chosen to monetize their endeavor? Probably so. But we didn’t pay a membership fee when we joined. It is a “free” service, paid for by advertisers and app creators who pay for access. And we agreed to everything that happened. Would we have been willing to pay $10 a month when we joined to avoid the data grabbers? Probably not.

Someone once said there was no such thing as a free lunch. We are the suckers who are born every minute.

Erin Everest: No. Our information is out there whether we’re on Facebook or not. I don’t agree with them giving out personal information, but it could have been worse. We live in a world where information is readily available and you can find almost anything – you’re naive if you believe your information is safe if you quit Facebook. The only thing that would make me quit is if my opinions become completely censored like they say it will.

Jean Young: Yes, as for myself if I want others to know information I would do so myself. Ads are also a pain in the rear. Been debating for a couple days to remove FB.

Carol Bennett: Yes