I Like You, But I Won't Be Your Fan Much Longer Says Facebook
Facebook has decided to change the word "Fan" to "Like," according to recent reports. That's fine with me, as I never "liked" the term "Fan" anyway, at least as it applies to brands on Facebook. However, what for Facebook is a small wording change, will produce a lot of headaches for Fan Page owners. (Will they be called Fan Pages any longer?)
Think of how many thousands of people who have links and buttons on their Web sites that encourage visitors to "Become a Fan." Many brands have custom Facebook Fan pages that carry a similar message, complete with arrows pointing in the direction of the button. What will the request be now, "Do you like me? If yes, click here."
This phenomena reminds me of what is known as the Butterfly Effect, where one small change results in many large ones. Suffice it to say, there's going to be a lot of redesign work taking place once this change is made.
Facebook is alerting advertisers to the impending change by explaining that “Like” links offer “a simple, consistent way for people to connect with the things they are interested in," says Mashable citing an email obtained by MediaMemo. In fact, Facebook indicates people click "Like" almost two times more than they click “Become a Fan,” the email states.
Socialnomics author Erik Qualman says the change will result in "Increased consistency and simplicity of Facebook terminology for its users." That may prove to be the case, but I think there is room for confusion. Because Facebookers associate the "like" option as a way to respond to Wall posts, photos, comments and other things, will they clearly understand the difference? (Will they care?) Personally, I would have preferred the term "follow," but that's already been copped by Twitter.
There is one distinct advantage, to "like" something requires less commitment than pledging one's allegiance as a fan. While I appreciate many brands, to say that I'm a "fan" of them is often an exaggeration. Conversely, will liking a brand result in a more watered-down level of commitment? Will those who merely like the brand be less inclined to spread the good word about it with friends and family?
A person could drive themselves crazy asking all these questions, so let me stop. In the end, users will do what we always do when Facebook makes a change -- we adapt, whether we "like" it or not. We have too. As usual, Facebook gives us no other recourse.
2 Comments
Pamela Hazelton says:
I think that new users won't mind one way or the other; it is the seasoned users who are going to flip out. Not only is it "change" - which many FB users really don't care for, but the confusion will definitely be there.
Then, there are those who'd want FB to do FAN PAGES for celebrities and other people, and Company Pages for companies, etc.
Paul Chaney says:
I would hope that's where Facebook is headed -- Fan pages for personalities and brand pages for companies. I guess we could go ahead and use the terminology in hopes that FB will catch up. Thanks for the comment Pamela.
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