Facebook can be brilliant but confusing too
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Created: 10:09 PM, Sunday 17 October, 2010
Comments: I've long believed that an important function of any website is to make it easy to 
use. Familiarity of structure and architecture contribute to this to a significant degree. Included in this is the terminology used to guide visitors.
It's why I wonder why Facebook seem determined to confuse users with changes to their terminology. A classic example is the Facebook fan page. This is the most common page used by organisations and businesses to promote themselves, their causes and ideas. Yet, when it comes to setting up a Facebook fan page, the Facebook homepage has a less than obvious line saying 'Create a Page for a celebrity, band or business'. Once you've clicked into the entry page, there is absolutely no mention that it's a 'fan page' – it is now called a 'Community Page'.
On the basis that nearly everyone has come to call the Facebook fan page a "fan page" why on earth change it, even if a decision was taken to 'improve' the name. Many users will simply bail out and not bother attempting to continue, especially when there is an absence of obvious explanation.
In addition to terminology, Facebook's architecture is becoming increasingly complex and is certain to be putting many off from participating more fully or at all.
Okay, so Facebook now has over 400 million global users and is screaming ahead of other social media platforms, but this kind of thing isn't helping the usability of what is becoming a very important connector.
Facebook is a brilliant platform and I for one have little reason to be dissuaded from using it to the full. It is, after all, completely free to use whilst delivering massive social and economic value. Nevertheless, I'll be keeping an eye on its usability and blogging on it where I believe they need a serve.
About the author facebook.com/frasercarson2 www.fresco.co.nz
Fraser Carson is a respected communications and social media consultant, and commentator. He has particular experience and interest in community building, the not-for-profit sector and business development.
