Facebook (facebook.com)

Member Name: carlmcq

Product:	facebook.com
Date:	10/07/07 (638 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wastes time, keeps you in touch with old friends

Disadvantages: Wastes TOO much time!

The Internet holds no bars. First came Myspace, then some people thought it worth trying out Bebo or FaceParty…and now it’s the turn of Facebook to be the next free ‘social networking’ website.

Being the traditional student that gets up around midday, misses a few lectures, and is found most of the time in a pub, the Internet is the easiest (and cheapest) way to communicate...and meet people for a pint or 3. Instant messaging systems such as MSN Messenger are handy, but rely on people being sat at a computer at the time. With Facebook, you know people will check it daily…the reason being, it’s just so down right addictive!

When you sign up, it’s a similar concept to any website you join – name, email, age, hometown etc. etc. – and then you can get creative…like with Myspace, you can fill in any old details. From favourite books to bands, from favourite TV shows to quotes, you can fill your boots on how much, or indeed how little, you want to tell people.

A unique point of Facebook compared to other similar sites comes next – being able to join set networks. I obviously have joined my university network by using my uni’s email address. A number of companies are cottoning on to this concept and more and more are adding themselves as possible networks, just so it’s employees can sign-up. (rather than work, of course!!)

For those not at uni, or not at a listed company, there is a way around it, by selecting an area of the country that you live – big cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bristol etc etc. are all listed as individual networks…the only problem is if you don’t particularly live near there. For example, I live in Gloucestershire – so I could choose Bristol, but that’s a good hour from me, or I could choose the “West Midlands”, but I’d deem that Worcestershire/Warwickshire etc rather than Gloucs. Of course, you could always be part of no network…but that’s just boring in my view and shouldn’t be allowed!!

Of course, those concerned at this point will argue that it’s the perfect opportunity for people to ‘stalk’ others…well if you’re not in the same network as someone, you’ve got no chance of doing that unless you are friends with them…and if your still worried, well, maybe you shouldn’t be friends!

The layout is very basic, and in my opinion, and instant advantage over Myspace – you don’t have to spend hours trying to style it and get it looking fantastic just to ensure some credit amongst your peers…instead everyone’s is (more or less) the same. Just blue and white; that’s it.

Obviously, you can add things like photos – an unlimited number it would seem, and the option of ‘tagging’ people in them is an interesting technique…however if you feel the odd photo that people ‘tag’ of you in isn’t exactly flattering, you can ‘untag’ it so people can’t see it when they view pictures of you, thankfully!

Recently, Facebook added a whole load of new ‘applications’. From ones that Myspace previously had such as adding music to your profile or showing videos, to ones ranging from listing your favourite football or rugby team with its emblem on your profile page, to your favourite Simpsons quote, to a Star Sign application…for those that believe in all that! Although originally sceptical that all these things would turn it into Myspace, most of these interesting bits n’ pieces add some life to your profile and help differentiate it to other peoples. You can of course choose not to use any of them.

There’s thousands upon thousands of groups you can join on any subject matter. From appreciation societies on your favourite football…to appreciation societies on you worst, there more than likely gunna be there. And if not, you can start your own!

When you log in, you’ll be greeted with a “News Feed” page – a distinctive feature showing you all the latest goings on from people that you’re friends with. It’s somewhat fascinating as you’ll find yourself spending what turns out to be hours just looking at person after person’s profile for no real, apparent reason. This is the addictive element of Facebook that I’ve been warning you of!

One final option is to change your ‘status’. You could choose one of the preset options such as “at home” or “at work”…or just get creative and come up with something witty and perhaps even bizarre that’ll get people intrigued.

You’ll be interested to know who exactly uses Facebook…people have added me that I went to primary school with and not spoken to them since…I’ll probably never speak to them again, but at least it’s nice to know they’re still alive and well and can always see who’s ‘tagged’ them in a photo from a night out!

So, some people may see it as a possible breeding ground for stalkers. That’s rubbish, as they can’t see anything about you until you accept them as a friend, and if you get lured into it, you can always report them! Annoying aspects such as bands that you’ve never heard of that add you on Myspace aren’t here…yet (I’m worryingly awaiting the time when they’re allowed on it)

Go on, join the craze. If you’ve got a spare half hour knocking about, you’ll soon use it up…addicts beware!!

Summary: Join the revolution!