Facebook Changes...AGAIN!

[QVA - Emma]

A new phase, a new roll out of how their search is potentially going to rank pages etc.

You will need to read this AllFacebook post (http://www.allfacebook.com/2010/07/facebook-contact-likers) for the low down.

I've taken a screen shot but don't want it to be seen as promotion of my fan page so I will wait until another one rolls into my feed and post an update.

Basically you are "sharing" the link with the original poster and their fanpage clickable link etc will show in the newsfeed of your fanpages fans/likers (not sure if it reciprocal or not) so potentially good for them!

There are many comments that it is spam, but actually I don't think it looks too bad and you can always hide th posts! :D

Emma

[DotNetWebs]

Glad to see you are in the ball with all things Facebook as usual Emma! :)

I will take a proper look when I get more time but on first inspection it looks like Facebook are effectively creating a Facebook Page [object] for each EXTERNAL page with a 'Like' button.

I said several times in other thread 'look very carefully what facebook are doing' i.e. they are already doing this internally by creating [FB] Pages for information that people enter. This is the next logical step.

I guess it will be open to a bit of a abuse but it's not much different to people creating internal fan pages with viral-type titles for the sole purpose of 'feed' spamming.

If Facebook can pull this of then it will be another VERY powerful step towards making Google less relevant for many areas of people''s web habits.

Regards

Dotty

[crossdaz]

The only reason facebook is still around is because their ad platform is open range to every trick in the book.
They will not survive - all that bandwidth costs and spam isn't a business strategy that stands the test of time.

[dots and spots Jeff]

Just had another little play with a like button I placed on one of our web pages a couple of weeks ago.

It works! This has enormous potential for a company like us - a way of gently interacting with our customers, and building our brand profile.

Not sure how you can 'unlike' a non facebook page - this, I thought, would be the best defence against spam. A quick click to stop receiving the posts, and unlike something, would soon stop the spammers as people would soon unlike, just as they unfollow spammers on Twitter.

Got some more experimenting to do!

Thanks to both Emma & Dotty for continuing to highlight the importance of Facebook.

Jeff

[DotNetWebs]

...spam isn't a business strategy that stands the test of time.

I think a bit too much is being made of the 'spam' angle.

All it means is that a page/site you have 'Liked' will be able to publish stories to your news feed.

This is no different to people 'Liking' a user-generated Facebook Page at the moment.

Think about all those Pages you see that go viral with silly titles like "leaving the toilet seat up just to wind the wife up"

Some of these pages have millions of users and the owners are anonymous. They all currently have the ability to 'spam' you if they so wished.

The difference however, unlike with 'traditional' spam, is that it only takes on click to permanently block that page from ever sending you stuff again - i.e it is OPT IN.

Most regular Facebook users will do this already to some extent. I got fed up with all the messages about my friends' activities on Farmville so I blocked it - simple.

As I keep saying, Facebook / Social media is just the next logical extension of the internet for me.

It's just another tool. With half the population of internet users now using it, Facebook is to heavily ingrained for a bit of potentially [opt in] 'spam' to stop people using it IMO

Regards

Dotty

[DotNetWebs]

...Not sure how you can 'unlike' a non facebook page - this, I thought, would be the best defence against spam...

Go back to the page you 'Liked' the 'Like' button should be dark blue. Click it again and it should go light blue - you have now 'unliked' it.

Hopefully, and I haven't tried it, this should unsubscribe you the same way as a 'regular' page does.

Regards

Dotty

[sirearl]

Does this mean I will have to wear a mini skirt.?:eek:

Earl

[DotNetWebs]

Does this mean I will have to wear a mini skirt.?:eek:

Earl

lol Earl

Following from a previous thread - here's a thread for you from my group this week:

http://www.facebook.com/horsham.uk?v=wall&story_fbid=125765370801016

You won't be able to see all the replies because of privacy settings etc.

It got 40 replies mostly within the hour.

Who says elderly people aren't benefiting from Facebook! ;):)

Regards

Dotty

ps for the Google-is-king naysayers this is how Facebook users are getting certain bits of info nowadays - they don't bother Googling, they just ask their freinds!

[dots and spots Jeff]

Go back to the page you 'Liked' the 'Like' button should be dark blue. Click it again and it should go light blue - you have now 'unliked' it.

Hopefully, and I haven't tried it, this should unsubscribe you the same way as a 'regular' page does.

Regards

Dotty

Thanks! It works as you describe.

Although I think it would be useful to 'unlike' a page from within Facebook, without having to go back to the original page.

Jeff

[sirearl]

lol Earl

Following from a previous thread - here's a thread for you from my group this week:

http://www.facebook.com/horsham.uk?v=wall&story_fbid=125765370801016

You won't be able to see all the replies because of privacy settings etc.

It got 40 replies mostly within the hour.

Who says elderly people aren't benefiting from Facebook! ;):)

Regards

Dotty

ps for the Google-is-king naysayers this is how Facebook users are getting certain bits of info nowadays - they don't bother Googling, they just ask their freinds!


I can see how well it could work for our jet ski business but unfortunately Martin our chief techno guy is up to his eyes in work through the summer,also the fear that we would have a never ending stream of techno questions.

I think it will have to wait till winter for us to explore it.

But thanks for the info.I fear I may be a bit past me sell buy date for it,maybe our 19 year old can crack it.:)

Earl

[OldWelshGuy]

I was about to post in this thread with some sensible debate. then I realised it was just another Google bashing thread so no point in wasting my time debating it I guess.

[sirearl]

I was about to post in this thread with some sensible debate. then I realised it was just another Google bashing thread so no point in wasting my time debating it I guess.

Not sure I see it that way,more another potential avenue.

And if it brings google down a few notches so much the better as far as I am concerned.

having all ones eggs in one basket is never a good idea.IMHO

I mean if it has as many visitors as google there has to be a few nuggets of gold in there somewhere.;)

Earl

[DotNetWebs]

I was about to post in this thread with some sensible debate. then I realised it was just another Google bashing thread so no point in wasting my time debating it I guess.

Hey I am not Google bashing! Google is still the biggest source of traffic by far.

I am just preempting all those replies that I have received in many other social media threads from people who truly do not understand it and continue to believe that 'Facebook is for kids' etc.

And it

Regards

Dotty

[sirearl]

info on who does what in the world of twitters ,face aches e.t.c.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10719042

Earl

[DotNetWebs]

info on who does what in the world of twitters ,face aches e.t.c.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10719042

Earl

I posted that a couple of days go in this thread:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=164859

Regards

Dotty

[MASSEY]

You seem to really hate google dotty :(

[DotNetWebs]

You seem to really hate google dotty :(

Where have I ever said that?

Read my last post. Regardless of traffic they have done some other great things like Android and Chrome for example.

I have just got a bit frustrated in the last year or so in many threads that I have participated in when my comments about the benefits of using social media have been rubbished by people who make comments dismissing social media when they clearly do not understand how people are using it today.

And with the greatest respect to some of the Google experts (whose opionions I respect), perhaps you are being a little over-sensitive in your reactions here.

Regards

Dotty

[pathmakerserves]

facebook is great but in order nt get spammed... well, we must be choosy

[OldWelshGuy]

Where have I ever said that?

Read my last post. Regardless of traffic they have done some other great things like Android and Chrome for example.

I have just got a bit frustrated in the last year or so in many threads that I have participated in when my comments about the benefits of using social media have been rubbished by people who make comments dismissing social media when they clearly do not understand how people are using it today.

And with the greatest respect to some of the Google experts (whose opionions I respect), perhaps you are being a little over-sensitive in your reactions here.

Regards

Dotty

But what you are now doing is akin to taking the bad feeling from your past relationship into your new relationship and spoiling it.

I was genuinely going to debate and discuss the merits of what you had posted, then i read this barbed comment :-

ps for the Google-is-king naysayers this is how Facebook users are getting certain bits of info nowadays - they don't bother Googling, they just ask their freinds!

And I realised this thread was only ever going one way. Comments like that are like a red rag to a bull, they wind people up, and can only send the thread down one road, and that is the 'who's dad is the biggest' tit for tat stylee.

The way I read that was ' oh my god here we go again with the points scoring and the banging of the same drum. Why bring Google into the argument? seriously, what did you hope to achieve by introducing them with the 'you are wrong' type comment? twas only ever going one way :(


back on topic, only a fool would dismiss out of hand social marketing, BUT it is not suitable for everyone, or rather it does not produce the same ROI for everyone, and as a result is not suitable for all on the same level.

[DotNetWebs]

...And I realised this thread was only ever going one way. Comments like that are like a red rag to a bull, they wind people up, and can only send the thread down one road, and that is the 'who's dad is the biggest' tit for tat stylee..l.

I used the phrase 'certain bits' and I bolded it. I am just using this new bit of information posted by Emma to back up the predictions I made in other threads where I had genuinely tried to help people only to have my posts and thoughts dismissed as rubbish.

It's not about is Facebook better than Google. I get huge benefit from both and will continue to do so.

What currently frustrates me about this forum is that many people continue dismiss Facebook and other forms of social media with out really understanding it.

From the PMs, email and social media contacts I have had from people reading my posts I know I am not the only one to feel this way.

This forum is increasingly being seen as 'old school' with people 'set in their ways'

I apologise if my pm is seen as a bit of a wind up and I admit it was made out of frustration.

Regards

Dotty

[QVA - Emma]

Slightly diasappointed that the thread has turned into a Google - Facebook debate again, I only wanted to add this new info for the forums as I am well aware there isn't anyone else who generally posts new information about Facebook changes, maybe there aren't that many who are interested in Social Media? But as a business forum it is beneficial to get a full view.

Facebook, Twitter, whatever are all part of an Internet Marketing Mix, how you use them for your business and if they are suitable for that matter is down to you, reading new information and seeing both sides of the story.

Google far out weighs anything that Facebook has to offer right now, but I seem to be building a little bit of a niche area for myself with the Facebook info and research.

As I posted in the other thread about Google Social Circle and Circle of friends, using Twitter contacts and their contacts, creating a perosnalised Google experience is also an interesting concept and if the rumours about Google building their own competitor against Facebook has this included, it will certainly be another interesting avenue to explore.

OWG please do share your thoughts about the changes that have been made and Dotty as always I appreciate your technical outlook on Facebook's changes :)

SirEarl you are never too old! My Aunt in Buffalo, NY is 78 and uses Facebook daily to chat to friends and us folks across the pond ;)

Emma

[DotNetWebs]

Slightly diasappointed that the thread has turned into a Google - Facebook debate again...

Hi Emma

Sorry on my part but I think others are just as guilty for 'making a meal' out of my throwaway comment.

Also, speaking from a purely technical view point, it's clear that Facebook's latest move IS an attempt to start indexing the web and that is clearly Google's realm right now so some comparison in inevitable.

Regards

Dotty

[MASSEY]

Its all well and good speaking about the success you have with social networks such as facebook, and you seem to get some form of reward from it.

From what i gather marketers are keen to promote success from social networking, but they fail to reveal the 99% of people who make diddly squat from it.

:)

[QVA - Emma]

Its all well and good speaking about the success you have with social networks such as facebook, and you seem to get some form of reward from it.

From what i gather marketers are keen to promote success from social networking, but they fail to reveal the 99% of people who make diddly squat from it.

:)

Massey, please point out where in the post I have said it is successful for everyone?:| I am merely giving the forum new information about how Facebook is changing. I actually said in my last post Facebook, Twitter, whatever are all part of an Internet Marketing Mix, how you use them for your business and if they are suitable for that matter is down to you, reading new information and seeing both sides of the story.

I don't think every business should be involved in Social Networking at all. I have two sets of clients one that does engage in social networking and one set that just would not fit in, it would not work for them at all and concentration is put into SEO, Local advertising and other forms of marketing (which aren't always on the net).

Yes Social Media/Networking is successful for certain businesses, and it doesn't work for everyone at all. This forum is a form of Social Networking so the majority of people will be interested in what there is on offer.:(

Information for the masses is what I am interested in on this forum and helping people out and giving sound advice (I hope!)

As I said before I post stuff I think may help some people and inform them of changes etc.

Thi post may be way off the mark but I just want to clarify my stance on the use of Social Media/Networking, as you have stated Massey, there are those that will not make anything from it directly or otherwise.

If someone came to me asking for advice and wanted to set up on Twitter/Facebook etc and I didn't think it suitable for their business I would advise them accordingly, if that means they went to someone else for the services so be it. (Finished throwing toys out of pram now and actually quite humpy lol)


Emma

[DotNetWebs]

Its all well and good speaking about the success you have with social networks such as facebook, and you seem to get some form of reward from it.

From what i gather marketers are keen to promote success from social networking, but they fail to reveal the 99% of people who make diddly squat from it.

:)

You know that post wasn't actually meant to be a 'success' story, nobody made any money out of it as such.

It was meant to be a subtle joke for Earl (based on our previous debate) to show that elderly people are benefiting from the Internet.

Admittedly with hindsight my ps may have spoiled the joke, but it was just trying to reinforce the point I have been trying to make lately i.e. that people are increasingly turning to Facebook for certain bits of information.

IMO these latest developments by Facebook are just another step in their ongoing attempts to capture more of these types of queries.

I am sure you are right that "99% of people make diddly squat from [Facebook]" but if some businesses try and take an objective look at what Facebook is doing, and are prepared to use a bit if lateral thinking, then they should be able to benefit.

Regards

Dotty

[DotNetWebs]

...Thi post may be way off the mark but I just want to clarify my stance on the use of Social Media/Networking, as you have stated Massey, there are those that will not make anything from it directly or otherwise.

If someone came to me asking for advice and wanted to set up on Twitter/Facebook etc and I didn't think it suitable for their business I would advise them accordingly, if that means they went to someone else for the services so be it. (Finished throwing toys out of pram now and actually quite humpy lol)


Emma

lol Emma we both posted at the same time and I assumed Massey's post was aimed at me. :)

I 100% agree with your comments above. Facebook is not for every business, Google is still more relevant that Facebook, and Facebook is not a magic bullet that is guaranteed to make you rich.

I am standing accused of 'continually banging the drum' but it is only as a result of all the 'you are wasting your time with Facebook' type comments that appear on this forum.

I have just tried to offer an alternate view and show examples where businesses are benefiting from Facebook.

Regards

Dotty

[QVA - Emma]

Lol and I at me, but whomever it was aimed at I've outlined my stance on the subject.

The info is there, what poeple choose to do with that info is entirely up to them. :)

Emma

[DotNetWebs]

...The info is there, what poeple choose to do with that info is entirely up to them. :)...

That's an excellent summary of all these 'Facebook' threads!

Regards

Dotty

[dots and spots Jeff]

The info is there, what poeple choose to do with that info is entirely up to them. :)

Emma

Well, I for one, am grateful for this, and the other recent FB threads that you and Dotty, in particular, have participated in this.

As I have said elsewhere, the big difference that Facebook, Twitter et al provide is that they give a (online) voice to everyone, not just those with a website or blog.

Google is not going to go away, but then neither, do I think, will FB & Twitter. Its horses for courses, but Twitter has been good for us, and Facebook increasingly so, but then our products are very visual, very much 'on-trend' and people are happy to read about them/see pictures of them in their online social networks. I can appreciate how it might be very different (read harder) for, say, an accountant to develop and use social media marketing.

Keep posting!