Facebook Introduces New IM Chat Feature, AOL 2.0?

April 22nd, 2008

Facebook has recently launched a new instant chat feature allowing users to chat with each other in real time. When you log on, there’s an interface at the bottom right hand corner of the browser. The feature runs right off of the website, meaning you won’t need to download an external app to run it, and it will remain in a static location while a user browses around various Facebook pages.

There is also an option to pop-out the chat into it’s own independent window.

So far the features of the chart seem to be very basic, although I’m sure that will change with time. Here’s what you need to know:

  • There is no limits to the number of chats a user can have at one time
  • There are no group chats, only one on one functionality for the time being
  • No “away message”, a user can be either online or “idle.”
  • There is no API for it, so you can only use the chat on Facebook
  • Chat files are automatically stored for 90 days, and then deleted, but users will be able to delete files manually at any point in time.

I guess they think you’ll have Facebook open all day wherever you are so you can chat with friends. Unfortunately, as many in the working world can attest, that’s not the typical Facebook behaviour. Usually, people are logging in during the day (if their work hasn’t banned it) and seeing what’s up for a few minutes and then logging out. The chat introduces a different user experience that might appeal more to Facebook’s younger demographic.

A STEP TOWARDS AOL…

It’s no secret that Facebook’s strategy is to try and keep you on their site for as long as possible, so the Chat addition is not unsurprising. In fact, if you ask me, I wouldn’t be surprised if Facebook eventually evolved to be an AOL like space, a completely internal community.

I mean let’s deconstruct this a bit shall we?

Chat:

AOL as a private chat feature, so does Facebook. You can run AOL IM outside of the AOL platform, and I am assuming this functionality will eventually be added to the Facebook Chat.

Groups

AOL as entire communities around every conceivable topic, and Facebook has groups. It wouldn’t be a far stretch for those groups to evolve into like minded communities that are grouped together and linked by chat rooms? I mean eventually, you’ll probably be able to not only see your online Facebook Friends but people who are in related communities and share common interests with you.

Messages

Currently users can only send messages to other Facebook users, but it would be cool to be able to send FB messages to external email addresses.

Games

I think these games will grow in complexity and become more interactive.

Next Steps

The next logical step would be for Facebook to introduce an internal web browser which would allow you to view different external websites without leaving Facebook.

I would also like to see them incorporate more Linked-in type features as their core demographics begin to grow older and shift life stages.

FACEBOOK’S ENDGAME

Ultimately, when you opened your web browser you would log on to Facebook and stay there all day. You’d be able to access all your favorite websites, chat with your friends and manage your email messages. I’m interested to see what Facebook’s next move is.

But I do have some reservations. AOL, much like Facebook is a walled garden, and personally I am always wary of closed communities that try to funnel your web adventures through their platform. It just feels wrong to me somehow. I’m sure there will be all sorts of privacy issues especially surfing and chat history. All we can do now, is wait and see.

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Facebook Fatigue?

March 8th, 2008

FacebookYesterday the Toronto Star published a story about Facebook Fatigue.

Apparently, the web’s a buzz after a web report showed a declining number of people logging on to the site in the UK. The site seems to be losing traction with older users, and it’s growth is slowing as most people between 18-34 already have an account. It’s no secret that among Gen Y Facebook is considered an important if not essential communication tool. So what’s going on?

I think the issue lies in the fact that people are using the site in a way that it was never meant to be used. Facebook is an address book. No more, no less. It’s an easy way to keep in touch with an extended network of contacts, acquaintances and old school mates. It’s the lazy person’s networking tool and it’s meant to be quick and done at-a-glance.

It’s the onslaught of third party applications that really throw a wrench in things. They pull you to spend hours upon hours on the site. They can become quite addictive and once you start sliding down that slippery slope there’s really no end to the amount of time you can waste.

I, for one, despise third party applications. I find they clutter up the once simple and elegant profile page and make it look like, well…a mySpace page. That’s to say…tacky and visually unappetizing. And boy are they time consuming. So and So just bit you. So and so wants to know if you’re alike. And on and on.

I still check the site on a daily basis just to read the newsfeed see what’s new in my network and maybe shoot a message to a few friends. I’ve disabled my wall since I’ve added business contacts and colleagues and prefer have a bit more control over who sees what. (I know you can choose “limited profile” but to be honest, once you put something on your wall, you never really know who’s going to end up reading it.)

Anyway, I guess my point is of course you’re going to get overwhelmed if you’ve spent the last 8 days straight “biting” people on your list and filling out quiz after quiz. I don’t think Facebook is going anywhere soon. At least not until Google releases it’s social networking site alternative that complies with OpenSocial standards and everyone jumps ship. (Just a theory)

So if you’re Facebook fatigued, odds are you’re using it the wrong way. Here are some tips on using Facebook:

4 TIPS FOR USING FACEBOOK

1) Don’t post on your own wall. When someone posts a message on your wall, respond on THEIR wall. Don’t write me arguing, I didn’t make this particular rule.

2) Don’t send people endless application invites. Trust me, if we see you using a cool application we’ll find it and install it. No need to be an Application Evangelist. It’s annoying.

3) Poke with moderation. I know “poke wars” were all the rage, but I’m pretty sure everyone’s over it. A poke every now and then is fine. Poking your entire contact list every single day is a step on the path to getting blocked.

4) Don’t upload embarrassing pictures of your friends (or yourself). It might seem funny now, but employers are using Facebook as a reference and that picture (especially if it’s tagged) could potentially cost your friend a job. Don’t believe me? Just ask Kevin Colvin.

kevincolvin-thumb.jpg

You See, Kevin up there? Yeah, last November, Valleywag reported that he wrote his boss at Anglo Irish Bank, an email claiming he had a family emergency. Turns out he wanted to go to Halloween party. Someone he worked with spotted a picture on Facebook and sent it along to Kevin’s boss who was not amused. He replied to Kevin and BCC’d the entire office. Needless to say, he doesn’t work there anymore.


Just follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to having a pleasant Facebook experience.

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