It is amazing to see how people react to change. Some people embrace it. Others totally freak out and nearly have a breakdown. But what happens when you change a web site that more than 3 billion minutes are spent on each day world wide?
Well, you get headlines like these:
Redesign Revolt, What Should Facebook Do Next?
Click on the headline above for the full Mashable article. I read the article and followed the link to Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook Fan Page to find over 2,000 comments, most of which are people stating in a variety of different phrases that they strongly dislike the new layout. Why did Facebook do it and what are they going to do about it?
Facebook Responds to Criticism Over Latest Redesign
You provided the criticism. Facebook listened/read. And Facebook responded. But is this satisfactory for most people? It sure doesn’t look like it. Many comments I read can be summarized by this statement, “Just give us the old Facebook back.”
My Personal Opinion (for what it’s worth)
The new Facebook layout really does not bother me. In fact, I am beginning to get used to it. I am still able to quickly accomplish my Facebook goals just as I was before. Ignoring all of the clutter to stay focused is something that you must become good at if you are going to use Facebook effectively. Most of the applications I find to be pointless and avoid them anyway. The simple reality is that Facebook is not just for college students anymore. The demographic is quickly drawing more from the 30+ crowd and a huge amount of businesses. Facebook had to adjust to this trend at some point. I will admit, however, I have missed a few birthdays because of the new layout! So, please blame Mark Z.
So, tell me what you think. Do you like the new Facebook? Take the poll. Leave a comment.
I agree that the overall redesign is for the better, and probably just a first step. I twittered this about 1 hour ago today from the web:
How about a “Friend Wall” and “Work Wall” to help us stay in touch with our friends, and not get fired? I’ll expect it by morn.
This would be great for you, so you could post updates to work friends and client friends, and not bore your high school friends who don’t know what SEO is. Separate the business marketing, from the friend chatting, and they have corporations locked on board…plus we can be real with our old friends.