Why Facebook Timeline?

Change is good…

…unless you’re frustrated at Facebook for introducing Timeline. But get ready, global Timeline is happening tomorrow, January 26, 2012 whether you like it or not.

I’ve read plenty of complaints from friends. They say Timeline is difficult. And why change a good thing?

Here’s why. Watch the f8 keynote from last September and discover why Facebook is doing what they’re doing.

But to sum it up for you here’s some trivia:

  • Over the past few years Facebook was focused on user growth.
  • The trend now is toward user engagement. (I guess that’s okay since they boast staggering stats.)
  • The first Facebook profile back in 2004 was basically an online record of what you’d say to someone in the first few minutes of meeting them. You’d talk about where you live, where you work, where you go to school and a few tidbits of information about your interests.
  • In 2008 Facebook added more robust features for status updates, adding photos, and apps. It was like the next 15 minutes of your conversation with a new found friend.
  • With the global launch tomorrow you can share, “All your stories, all your apps, and a new way to express who you are” directly quoted from Mark Zuckerburg, co-creator of Facebook.

Historically, Facebook changes haven’t been well-received. So, be prepared to be confused and frustrated. But get over it. The long awaited global Timeline launch is upon us.

Quick Tip: Clean up any embarrassing or unwanted revealing posts on your profile wall. Timeline will make it easier for your family, co-workers, and friends to see ALL of your posts. Heh.

What I do on Facebook

  • I have business cards with my Facebook Cover photo on it. It was free from MOO.
  • I post iPhone pictures on Facebook.
  • I post my kids’ funny quotes.
  • I like and comment on posts to give a little Facebook love my friends.
  • I have Facebook apps.
  • I RSVP to Facebook Events.
  • I’m a member of various Facebook Groups.

What I don’t do on Facebook

  • I don’t woohoo sports games play by play. (I haven’t yet but I reserve the right to change my mind.)
  • I don’t air my dirty laundry.

Let’s Share

Subscribe to me or friend me on Facebook and let’s share together.

I chat with my friend Oscar at Oscarstech and we share here. Join us.

I took some notes for your reading pleasure.

You Share

How about you? Are you a Facebook Fan? Or have you jumped ship to Google+?

  • Sterling Ledet

    I love the new timeline. I’ve had to present my personal timeline in peer groups and study groups before, and I’ve found the timeline a great resource for that, although a lot of the stuff i put on it, I make sure to set to “only you” as the privacy setting. It’s a great way to keep track of my life though.

    • Alison

      I agree, Sterling. I’ve used Timeline to figure out what I did on a certain day before. Weird but true! What did we do before Facebook?

  • http://zoeticgeek.com/blog/ Chris

    Excellent tips as always Alison!

    I use the same pic on my Business Card as I use on my Social sites as well.

    Also, I see Facebook as a necessary evil. I don’t like their lack of privacy controls, but however it is the most popular Social Media site currently. I do prefer Google+ overall….it is still in it’s infancy, but I believe it can overtake FB eventually.

    • Alison

      I just checked out your cover photo. Nicely done. And geeky people prefer Google+, right? LOL And it’s implications can outweigh Facebook, but it’ll be an interesting fight to the top.

  • http://xeeme.com/SallyKWitt/ Sally K Witt, Social Media and Ministry

    Change is often uncomfortable.

    • Alison

      Yes, but most often necessary. Thanks for reading!

  • http://Blog.CampusExplorer.com Debra Eckerling

    Admittedly, I have not fully embraced the FB timeline – which is unusual, since I like just about everything social media! Great tips for those who are not yet FB junkies on the importance of engagements and some of the best ways to engage!

  • http://www.24x7media.com Dennis Carpenter

    The next step in FB’s efforts to monetize their property. When I first saw the timeline a few months ago, I loved it! But, I I don’t look at individual profiles as often I do Groups and the Newstream, so the change just doesn’t seem to bother me. I am a little concerned about Frictionless Sharing however

  • http://www.giglogo.com Karla Campos

    I like the Timeline very much. I too have MOO cards, I don’t scream using Caps Lock on FB while watching a game but I do reserve the right to as well. I rant sometimes for the good of humanity and I try to not FB while angry : )

  • http://www.stringcaninteractive.com Jay Feitlinger

    I was at the f8 conference this past year and was really exciting to hear it straight from the Facebook product managers. Looking forward to seeing what Timeline develops into.

  • http://socialhospitality.com Debbie Miller

    I didn’t like the notion of Timeline at first because I had a ton of stuff/photos from college, etc., that I don’t particularly want my (now somewhat business-heavy) Facebook contacts seeing, but after I hid all that and have gotten used to it, it’s not so bad. I think it’s still kind of a pain for many (photos of ex’s, loved ones that may’ve passed away, etc.) that may be kind of a pain to re-surface, but for the most part the format is easy to get used to and pretty straightforward.

  • http://lovehateadvertising.com Mitch Devine

    I like the idea of Timeline, although I’m not exactly wowed by the new profile layout. I have yet to get my Moo cards, thanks for the reminder. I also don’t woo-hoo sports teams either. ;-)

  • http://www.counterintuity.com Lisa

    I alos love timeline. We can’t complain about something we’re all using for free. Yes, I dislike the ticker, but I have no say as they provide me a wonderful social platform at no cost. Change is a necessary evil sometimes.

    • Alison

      Wow…I guess your right about ya can’t complain if it’s for free!! Didn’t even cross my mind. Thanks for your thoughts!