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Bill Maher Suggests A New Name For Facebook

The “frictionless sharing” Facebook is alive and kicking, as folks are, yet again, adjusting to a slew of changes introduced by Facebook during the f8 presentation. As is the case when Fac...
Bill Maher Suggests A New Name For Facebook
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  • The “frictionless sharing” Facebook is alive and kicking, as folks are, yet again, adjusting to a slew of changes introduced by Facebook during the f8 presentation. As is the case when Facebook alters its service, there was a great deal of consternation after the new features were introduced, and while a lot of it was of the “I don’t like change” variety, the outcry remains.

    As those who appreciate privacy tackle Facebook’s new timeline feature, a true area of concern, the majority of the feedback was focused on the simple fact that Facebook introduced new features and altered the user interface to include the timeline ticker. Over on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, the outspoken host had a suggestion for the next time Facebook implements some kind of site-wide alteration: a name change.

    While the name change is humorous, it’s not intended for those of you who may be offended by coarse speech. Take a look at the lead image before you watch the video to get an idea of where Maher was leaning with his naming convention suggestion:


    Considering the reaction that resulted when Facebook introduced its latest round of new features, it’s safe to say there are a lot of people who would support such a dramatic change in brands. Hey, truth in advertising still works. Not only does Maher nail the name change, his idea of what Facebook is really for — to see if his ex-girlfriends had gotten fat — is an awfully accurate portrayal of the purpose Facebook serves the public. Sure, corporations are not shy about sending traffic away from their company sites, instead, opting for a Facebook profile view, but the fact is, many casual users are there to see and be seen.

    I suppose “liking” the company that provides your mobile phone service is a way of feeling complete, but one wonders how many casual Facebook users who happened to like, say, AT&T, are actively on the AT&T’s Facebook profile, hanging out with other AT&T subscribers and sharing stories of their AT&T experience. Sure, consumers will use these company profiles to air grievances, but are these corporate profiles really that crucial to the overall Facebook experience?

    Considering the casual approach people have to social networking, it’s not a stretch to think Maher’s Facebook name change suggestion would home with these kinds of users.

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