(This is the Online column, written for The Southland Times)
It’s warm fuzzies all around at Facebook as the powers-that-be move to make a wee terminology change on the social networking site.
Right now, if you find a branded page on Facebook that you want to get a little closer to, you become a fan. For example, The Southland Times has just over 1000 fans at the moment (feel free to join us, the more the merrier).
However, Facebook has decided that instead of users becoming fans of companies, they can click on a button that shows they like the brand instead.
Really? Like? It’s just so wishy-washy. I’d much rather have fans (no autographs, please) than likes. I like 50c pieces, I’m a fan of $50 notes.
You can already hit the Like button to indicate you think a comment or photo listed by a user has tickled your fancy (and theres nothing sadder than seeing those people who go through their own comments and click on the Like button), so this could cause some confusion. And let’s face it, a lot of the recent changes on Facebook haven’t exactly been welcomed with open arms by users.
You could say they unlike quite a lot of them, if the online discussions are anything to go by.
Speaking of online discussions, some poor bugger donned their cast-iron undies and started a thread on the Trade Me message board yesterday on the topic of poor spelling.
It was worded in an inoffensive manner and didn’t point the finger at (or take the mickey out of) those who cannot spell.
But, of course, the debate started with those who probably have to sound out their own names to remember how to spell them insisting theirs nuffink rong with they’re spilling and those who know a dictionary isn’t a mythological creature from an ancient time getting their knickers in a knot and pointing out all the errors. And, for the most part, making their own spelling and/or grammatical errors in the process.
When I read online message boards and see some of the absolutely appalling spelling, I cringe. However, I don’t spend my time pointing out those mistakes, because belittling people is an even worse crime.
That’s not to say I’m not mentally judging you. Because I am.
Hey, what can I say? I’m not perfect.