Facebook's been booked

Yes, that's right. The Facebook, prime social networking site has gotten some of its devoted members fuming. According to ABC (2008), the new look of Facebook has left many of its users unhappy and disgusted with the changes. In the article Facebook Makeover leaves some devotees fuming, we read of how groups have launched and popped like poppies all over the Facebook platform in retaliation of the new look. Members joining by the thousands with many voicing out their dislikes is giving Facebook a headache, or is it?

(Source: www.agros.org)

According to Naughton (2006), the web is a pull medium. We like to use it because we're in charge. We control what information we receive and what we give out. With the new look, it seems as though Facebook users are losing control. They like what they're used to and don't like the change. Nikki Gerwel, in a 'Who hates the new Facebook' forum, writes, "... I like good change, but not crappy change... the changes are horrible" (ABC, 2008). The users didn't seem to be very happy. Audience acceptance was going down the drain.

But Facebook was undeterred. It staunchly stood by its choice to make the changes, with Vice President of Marketing Chamath Palihapitiya saying, "We want to make sure it is easy for people to push and pull bite-sized information" (ABC, 2008). Also, Facebook wanted to cut the clutter. According to Vella (2008), Facebook's facelift was for the purpose of providing a cleaner, more organised look for its diverse user base. According to Kress & van Leeuwen (2006), layout and design are key elements in bringing value and meaning, which audiences relate to. Therefore it is essential that the layout and design of Facebook is what the audience are happy with.

There is a thin line between endeavouring to keep customers happy and knowing what is good for the company and acting on it. Personally, I believe that Facebook did the best thing for its company because inevitably all those people who joined the groups against Facebook's new look still stayed on, got used to it and are still avid users of Facebook today. It seems to be a big hoohah for nothing, after all.

Facebook, way to go. You're earning your money the smart way (:

References

2008, 'Facebook Makeover leaves some devotees fuming', ABC, accessed 15 June 2009, <http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24328928-15318,00.html>.

Kress, G. & van Leeuwen, T. 2006, Reading images, Chapter 1: The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication.

Naughton, J 2006, 'Pulling power of knowledge is a win-win for buyer and seller', Marketing Weekly, accessed 15 June 2009, http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33988463_ITM .

Vella, M 2008, 'Facebook's Big Facelift', Business Week, accessed on 15 June 2009, http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2008/id20080514_205389.htm .