Facebook and Work *Final Update in Op*

[MayHug]

I have a facebook account for personal use only. I am picky about who I friend, generally just family, and no co-workers.

Recently a co-worker and I got into a dispute, the boss intervened and sided with me. This made co-worker very angry of course. So, she goes onto her facebook, leaves a status about drama in the workplace. This of course draws comments and questions. She answers the questions using my name and says we "had it out" and "of course the boss sided with me". A former co-worker then posts that of course he sided with me because "I've always been his chick on the side" . A different co-worker brought it to my attention. I was able to read it because she doesnt have any privacy controls on her site. There were more posts back and forth about me and the whole situation. While I know she cannot control what people post, she did use my name. And she also could have deleted the comments when they got out of hand.

My question is this....... should I take this to the boss or let it go? We are a small company, one boss who is HR and boss all rolled into one. The boss is difficult to read at times. I dont know how he will take it. In the past he has avoided confrontation and I am concerned he will in this instance too, by telling me to let it go. I don't want to be seen as someone who whines to the boss about everything. I could confront her myself, but I dont trust her reaction. ( I wouldnt be surprised if she reacted violently towards me) I just dont think letting it go is a good thing to do because she will eventually elevate it.

Update:
Thank you for all the advice. I had the meeting with my boss this morning. He wanted me to sign a formal complaint so that he can move forward with discipline. I'm not sure what will happen, she is on vacation til Friday. He is going to ask her to resign but I don't know what will happen with that. I'm just thankful he took it seriously and she will be dealt with.

Final Update:
The boss spoke with co-worker who immediately apologized.  She is young and I don't think she realized the seriousness of the situation. I'm not excusing her behavior, she did receive a reprimand in her file. Hopefully she has learned a valuable lesson. I don't think the boss will be so understanding the next time. There is now a written policy regarding facebook/internet.
Thank you to everyone for your support and advice!!

[theresa]

I have a facebook account for personal use only. I am picky about who I friend, generally just family, and no co-workers.

Recently a co-worker and I got into a dispute, the boss intervened and sided with me. This made co-worker very angry of course. So, she goes onto her facebook, leaves a status about drama in the workplace. This of course draws comments and questions. She answers the questions using my name and says we "had it out" and "of course the boss sided with me". A former co-worker then posts that of course he sided with me because "I've always been his chick on the side" . A different co-worker brought it to my attention. I was able to read it because she doesnt have any privacy controls on her site. There were more posts back and forth about me and the whole situation. While I know she cannot control what people post, she did use my name. And she also could have deleted the comments when they got out of hand.

My question is this....... should I take this to the boss or let it go? We are a small company, one boss who is HR and boss all rolled into one. The boss is difficult to read at times. I dont know how he will take it. In the past he has avoided confrontation and I am concerned he will in this instance too, by telling me to let it go. I don't want to be seen as someone who whines to the boss about everything. I could confront her myself, but I dont trust her reaction. ( I wouldnt be surprised if she reacted violently towards me) I just dont think letting it go is a good thing to do because she will eventually elevate it.

I would ignore it, the boss doesn't need to be involved and it will only prove to your coworker that you are "the chick on his side".

[MayHug]

Thanks theresa. I would like to point out though it didnt say "the chick on his side" it said "HIS chick on the side" implying an adulterous affair.

[Oxymoroness]

If you are really concerned about your reputation being damaged by these people, I'd consult a lawyer. Otherwise, I'd ignore it.

[nrb80]

Doesn't such a post violate the Facebook terms of service? 

[Crazy Chicken Lady]

If you are really concerned about your reputation being damaged by these people, I'd consult a lawyer. Otherwise, I'd ignore it.

Agreed. You may want to screenshot or print out the comments just to be safe.

[Hushabye]

Doesn't such a post violate the Facebook terms of service? 

It probably does.  OP, you can read the TOS here: http://www.facebook.com/terms.php?ref=pf  If you feel as though her post violates any part of it (I'm thinking of several points in the "Safety" section, you can report her comments.

I also agree with april01 and Oxy's advice -- several of those comments could really damage your work reputation.

What I would not do is reply in any manner whatsoever.

[mechtilde]

Is this the sort of thing that you should maybe discuss with HR?

It might be worth letting your boss know as well, as his reputation is being impugned as well. You can always ask him to keep it quiet about who told him the information (if you think he is capable of this)

[Elfqueen13]

Something else you might want to check out is your company personal blog policy, if one exists.  For example, the company I work for prohibits me from using it's name in blog posts or saying anything defamatory about the company or a coworker called by name.  If your company has such a policy, your coworker may be in violation.

[Animala]

If you haven't already done I would strongly suggest getting a screenshot of the comments.

[Starchasm]

If you haven't already done I would strongly suggest getting a screenshot of the comments.

Seconded!  Just in case a rumor gets started. 

[Bibliophile]

Since your current co-worker didn't post the bit about the "chick on the side", I would do a screenshot and hold off unless any other instances occur.  Then you can use that as background to establish a history. 

[MyFamily]

I'd go straight to HR with this, with screen prints.  Did your co-worker disagree with the former co-worker who accused you and your boss of having an affair?  Did she in anyway validate that opinion?  Because unless she said "no, they aren't, she's just his goody-two-shoes" or something, then it can be construed that she agrees with this opinion.  This can and will harm your career (anyone googling your name will be able to find this post, and think if you ever want to find another job).  And if another co-worker has pointed this out to you, then assume other co-workers have seen it as well.  Take steps to stop her, now.

[MayHug]

*Update*

I have been called to a meeting with my boss tomorrow. Another co-worker saw it and reported it to him. I do have a screen shot as well.
I'll let you know how the meeting goes.

[Auntie Mame]

Yikes!

Good luck!