Dear Facebook,
You know I’m one of your biggest fans. In fact, when you first showed up at my school, back in April of 2005, while I had no idea what you were, it was love at first click. And yes, there have been issues along the way: privacy concerns, claims to my personal information and even Jewhavioral Targeting. But we can put those behind us for now. We have bigger things we need to talk about.
Despite what the press may say, we both know you should be the leader. You should come out victorious in this social media battle royal. Yet in its infancy, Google+ has features that are outshining you and your rightful glory. What am I talking about? Please, let me explain.
Simple editing
Google+ has an improved design. Muting and Editing Posts-It seems so simple and yet, multiple redesigns and countless additions later, it still continues to be a hassle to edit a post if I mistype a word. One little typo and it calls for a completely new post. Deleting from a mobile device isn’t even an option.
And how about commenting on a friends post? It’s wonderful that I am able to do that, but after the 24th email alerting me of a new comment for that thread, it gets pretty old, and frankly makes me think twice before I ever post anything. If only someone would come out with a feature to mute the post… oh wait Google+ did!
Chat
The Facebook Chat feature is very archaic, poorly built and overall seems slopped together. Even the general location seems off. G Chat definitely has the upper hand with this feature. Facebook, my love, please take your integration with Skype to the next level and improve the chat functionality.
Exclusivity
You know it’s true. You have always been very exclusive. Some could argue that was a good thing. But there are benefits to being open too. I am proud of you that you have now taken the next step in this open circles feature. Having the privacy features front and center is a gigantic step, I truly am so proud of you.
Let’s keep up the momentum. Maybe create that “Twitter-like” openness. Maybe a sub profile or a supplemental profile that is open to everyone (like Twitter) with the most basic of information that also displays the public info we choose to share.
The Dominant Network
You have the network and a 700 million user head start. Clearly it’s not just me who fancies you. It’s true Google + has shown rapid growth and is predicted to continue to grow, which makes this letter all that more important. I refuse to fathom the possibility of you losing this battle. These features can be re-created and tweaked (as Google+ has shown by re-creating and tweaking your features as well as popular Twitter features). The network is your strong point and you undoubtedly have the upper hand.
Facebook, the bottom line is, I’m rooting for you and I think about 700 million others are as well. I will be here to support and encourage your innovation in whatever ways I can. I feel confidant you will remain the leader in the social media space. I don’t think it will be an easy road, but definitely one worth traveling.
Fondly,
Aaron