Facebook's Facelift.

Now that Facebook has switched everyone's profiles over to the new interface, I'm curious how everyone feels about the changes.

As I had mentioned in my previous post, Facebook has implemented these changes to compete with the micro-blogging site Twitter. As a huge fan of Twitter, I see the changes to Facebook as a mild improvement but it's not going to make me dump Twitter and start using Facebook exclusively. Also, I have not heard many positive things from my friends on Facebook. It seems a lot of them are not too happy with these changes, as well as the chatter around the social networking circles has been predominately negative.

As far as I see it, Facebook is competing against a social networking site that most of their members don't care about, otherwise they would already be using sites like Twitter. I think both Facebook and Twitter serve a purpose and meet the needs of different breeds of social networking folks. For instance, Facebook members sign up mostly to keep in touch with close friends and family and find old classmates.

People on Twitter will continue to use Twitter because of what it is, and I highly doubt anyone will start using Facebook more because of these changes. Maybe Facebook should stick to what it's good at and not make such drastic changes that it upsets members who are there to just to communicate with their friends and family.

EDIT: 3/19/09

I'm actually taking back my statement that the changes to Facebook are an improvement. If the only items that showed up in the News Feed were status updates and maybe links, it would be fine. However, I do not care about who gave who a virtual hug or a virtual drink. There is no need to fill my News Feed with every little thing friends do in apps that I have ignored and do not use. I even tried blocking some apps but even that doesn't stop the flood of insignificant posts.

I'm giving Facebook a big FAIL in their attempt to win the social networking war. If you want to find me, I'll be on Twitter!

UPDATE: Poll Results 3/18/09 - 3/35/09

Do you like the new changes to Facebook?
00% Yes, it's an improvement
25% No, but I'll get used to it
25% No, change it back
50% Meh

Why Facebook Can't Compete With Twitter.

Today, Facebook held a press conference to discuss new products and changes to the social networking site. One of the items addressed at the press conference was how Facebook was going to compete with the growing popularity of Twitter. For those unfamiliar with Twitter, it is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send and receive updates that are 140 character or less. As a huge fan of Twitter, I commend Facebook for trying but good luck competing with Twitter.

Even after reading about the changes Facebook is implementing, I don't think the site's developers get the reason why people like Twitter. It's all about simplicity. People are busy and need a quick way to create an account and start using a site. This is exactly what Twitter offers. New members create an user name and password and they're ready to roll. The only information Twitter asks for is an email address, and the only profile information Twitter asks for is optional and includes: name, location, website, and a short bio. This makes users more comfortable connecting with friends as well as new people beyond their circle of friends.

Facebook is much more complex and has tons of information it asks for in order to connect members with people. Which is fine for connecting only with people they know, but because of all the information on members' profiles on Facebook, many of them will continue to keep their profiles more closed. Then, once members find all their friends on a site like Facebook, the new wears off and they eventually move on to the next new social networking flavor of the month.

The beauty in Twitter's design is it creates a simple way to keep up with friends, meet new interesting people, and follow news stories as they happen all on one page. Although Facebook's new interface looks like a move in the right direction, I don't feel it can compete with Twitter.

Facebook has a banner up on their site saying "Changes to the Home page are coming soon" with a link to preview what the new home page will look like. I'm curious how other Facebook users feel about these changes. And if anyone uses Twitter as well, how does Facebook compare with Twitter? Please share your thoughts.

UPDATE: Poll Results 3/4/09 - 3/11/09

Do you like the new changes to Facebook?
25% Yes
00% No
75% Meh

What is your favorite social networking site?
25% Twitter
37% Facebook
00% Myspace
37% Brightkite
00% Other
00% Meh