Yesterday Facebook announced and implemented its changes to the terminology used to become a “Fan” of a “Fan Page”.
In turn ruining all current marketing materials owners of fan pages use that reference anything related to becoming a fan, or being “FANatic”, much like some t-shirts I had printed for a local fan page I manage.
Fan Pages are now simply known as “Pages” and instead of becoming a “Fan”, a person simply “Likes” a “Page”.
Here’s Facebook’s reason for the change:
“Why did “Become a Fan” change to “Like”?
To improve your experience and promote consistency across the site, we’ve changed the language for Pages from “Fan” to “Like.” We believe this change offers you a more light-weight and standard way to connect with people, things and topics in which you are interested.”
My Thoughts on Facebook’s Change
The change in terminology doesn’t affect the functionality of the process, but I believe it will cause those that normally wouldn’t have become a fan, to now connect with Pages they “Like”.
The change will increase the number of people connected to a Page, which benefits the business or person running the page, aside from having to redo all marketing materials.
But will it make Facebook users feel manipulated into connecting with a Page that will in turn occupy the users’ wall with unwanted updates?
I think Facebook’s reasons for the changes leave something to be desired. It’s obvious the changes support “Page” owners (who will often spend money on advertising with Facebook), rather than the Facebook users (who typically might not spend a dime on Facebook).
What are your thoughts on Facebook’s changes to their Pages?
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My name is Steven Sanders and I'm a Professional Blogger, Izea Insider, Web Designer, Social Media Enthusiast, Dad, Husband, and Friend.
I just realised this the other day myself when on the site.It’s pretty irritating because I don’t recall hearing anything about the changes and frustrating when you’ve just got used to the navigation.I guessit is better (more subtle) for business promotion but feels a little under the radar for the user experience.
Well, it has been months after this change took effect and I think it never affected ordinary facebook users at all because as for me, based on experience, I still just like pages that I truly and really like so I guess there was no difference. But as for fanpage owners, I agree with the change resulting to an increase in the number of “likers”.