A new fad is surging among savvy Internet users, an online game that truly plays up the meaning of “social network.” It is a vigorous, engaging, and fun program on the Facebook social networking site.

“Farm Town is a way to relax and play away the stress of the day,” said teenager Kemberlee Roberts. “It's addictive!”

For those out of the loop, Farm Town is an interactive game that simulates life on a farm. Each gamer creates a unique avatar to represent him or her, and is given a “farm.” Farmers then begin earning money by planting and harvesting crops.

Farm Town is a fun social game where users design and manage their own virtual square of land. It takes advantage of the social element of Facebook. Having neighbors helps increase profits and boosts experience more quickly.

Facebook users have left many comments on The Post Facebook site (find us by e-mail search: freeads@postpaper.com). Many users find it addictive but not overwhelming. They manage to work their fields without cutting into their everyday schedules.

“It can be addicting, but no, it doesn't take up all my time,” said Maryanne Clingan on our Facebook page. “I have better things to do!”

“I love Farm Town.” wrote Rebecca Lewis Jennings. “But, I have a three children and a real garden, so I cannot allow my priorities to become too skewered.”

Here are a few tips to help novice farmers make the most of Facebook's “down-home” experience:

After becoming a Facebook user, search Applications on the lower left corner of the Home screen for “Farm Town”. Click the application and the program will set up a new virtual farm. Everyone begins on Level 1 as a "Getting Started Farmer".

Farmers can begin using the Hoe icon to plow fields, the Store icon to buy seeds, and the Scythe icon to harvest crops after they've come in. After harvesting (always use the “harvest and store” option to receive more coins than the “harvest and sell” option), the next click is the Shed icon. Once at the Market, it's time to sell harvested crops and receive payment.

Farmers can repeat the process as often as desired, or at least as often as the growth time (from two hours to four days) of each particular crop allows. Users will be able to buy more expensive tools and toys for their farm as they progress through the skill levels.

“I'm pretty much addicted,” Patsy Leffew Wilkerson commented on Facebook. “However, I have other obligations so I work hard at planning my harvesting to meet my schedule.”

There are three primary ways to advance skill levels in Farm Town. The first is to plant and harvest crops. Another option is to hire workers to help with the harvest. Farmers can also invite and visit neighbors, in the process racking up additional points towards the next level.

The hiring option begins in the marketplace. Other farmers who may be between crops hang out there and await an invite to help harvest or plow for someone else. They receive a nice payment and the “boss” farmer gets and additional 25 percent at the market.

Many players find the game a hard thing to step away from.

“Ashamed to say I am somewhat addicted,” Debbie Ayers told us. “Since having surgery a few months ago … I find myself on Farm Town quite a bit. But I guess there are worse things in life to be addicted to, right? LOL!”

As in real life, as farmers get more money the options increase. With each new level, new seeds and farm items become available. The seeds for crops such as cotton and pumpkins cost more, but yield more coins when harvested. Gifts shared between neighbors will also be worth more as the levels progress.

“Farm Town is one of the games I feel like I have accomplished something, “Lynn Pollard said. “I just wish the crops were real!”