I’ve been a Facebook member for two years (ever since my university was added — back when you had to study or work at a university to be a member). Over these past two years there hasn’t been much activity on my Facebook account, just a post on my wall every-now-and-then. But in May my Facebook account exploded with activity! Suddenly many of my colleagues and friends, previous non-members, were adding their profiles to Facebook and longtime users were adding new applications to their profiles everyday. This led me to ask myself, “What is going on with Facebook?!”
Because I’m a librarian I had to do some research (duh!). I discovered that on May 24, 2007 Facebook launched their Facebook Platform, which opened up the development of Facebook applications to the world; on that day 85 applications were added. Note: I should explain for anyone that doesn’t use Facebook that an application is similar to a widget…actually to get a better understanding of how the platform works and what an application is I recommend viewing Michael Porter’s video about the development platform, why it’s exciting, and how it can be used in libraries (yes, he’s a fellow librarian).
Some people are developing applications just for fun, but many are hoping to make money. For example, one application, Favorite Peeps, has already been purchased by Slide.com for $60,000! Damn!! I really need to get some coding knowledge and invent a cool Facebook application. I could use $60,000. But I digress.
Who knew opening up Facebook to worldwide development would have such an impact? Probably Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams, the authors of “Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything.” I’m only 40 pages into the book, but already convinced we’re on the cusp of a huge cultural change because of the possibilities of group collaboration and creation. I’ve been wanting to read the book for awhile, but this upsurge in Facebook popularity piqued my interest and I started reading Wikinomics just this week. I highly recommend it.
If you’re not a member of Facebook yet, you’re missing out on all the action–so when you sign-up make sure to join the group I just created, infodoodads fans. If you’re already on Facebook, well, you know what to do.
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Facebook has changed SO much since I joined it when it was first released and then vowed to never use it because of its lameness. The modularity and control that individual users have is pretty amazing!
The *one* piece that is slightly irritating me right now…. there are a lot of modules that foster interaction between users. The trick, if you want to interact with others via the cool “widget” in that module, they have to have it installed in their profile. It would be cool to make the installation stuff more transparent…. not sure how that’d work, but I’d like it more.
Michael,
I’ve been a user of Friendster for many years (although it seems to be completely irrelevant now). Then I joined MySpace, but the overwhelming ads and 1990’s graphics have always been a constant source of irritation for me. And, as I stated, facebook wasn’t even interesting until May 24! But, it looks like facebook is going to be my new friendster. I wonder what’s next? Will I still like facebook next year, or will there be something better? I can’t wait to find out. But, in the meantime, I’ll see you on facebook!!