I don't think that it's good or bad publicity per se. If users enjoy the experience of being on facebook they'll generally ignore the privacy issue. They been pushing this story pretty hard for a few weeks now and I haven't read about a drop-off in users, at least not yet.

Hello,
I think facebook has to explain the privacy settings in a better way to the newbie user.They are also testing the waters on what they can get away with as well.

Here it is

http://mikeyounglaw.com/wp/2010/05/0...ebook-account/

Only if stupid marketers like ******** keep making Facebook accounts and them spam their friends walls all day long with tiny url money making promotions.

Its really annoying that some IM people don't take the time to understand the concept behind social media.

I think that facebook will go the way of myspace and twitter or something else will take over. Then twitter will do the same and you will get something else. Imo nothing remains still on the internet. However that being said currently there is more Farmvill users then twitter accounts. So they are still going strong.

From what I've seen and read. I don't think a nosedive will be happening anytime soon for Facebook. It's being compared to Google and too many people enjoy using it to worry about the privacy settings. I do agree that for newbies, this should be highlighted more.

Sometimes I wish it would for the simple fact I am sick and tired of getting Farmville updates from my friends. That freakin game is a ridiculous waste of time and I really do not care if they found the golden cow or bronze chicken.

Sorry, just had to vent for a second.

All better now!

Normal users care about privacy settings? Even better question, normal users know what privacy settings are?

The same concerns have been sad about Google, credit card companies, stop light cameras, etc. There will be some news articles about it and all will agree it is bad. Then, no one will do anything about it and the companies will keep on doing what they are doing because it benefits them to do so.

In America, we talk a good game about privacy rights, but we don't really fight for it. We always think it is somebody else's problem and leave it to the Gov't. Yeah, that gov't, so don't worry, Facebook will be fine. In fact, you can expect even more encroachments on people's privacy. As an IMer, you are better served thinking about ways how you can take advantage of these encroachments.

No way, I see Facebook becoming bigger than what it already is in the next few years

I don't know how many people clicked through that link ( that I messed up, because I am home with a head cold today.( Already put the phone in the fridge)
Anyway, I agree with him. And butters it goes beyond a phone number.

Quote"
How to Delete Your Facebook Account and Why

Posted by Mike Young · 9 Comments

This isn't hypothetical. Until today, I had a Facebook account. No more.
At one time, there were over 3,300 Facebook friends. Given the overwhelming number of invitations and notices for nuisance applications involving mafia wars, farming, zoos, etc., in December, I got rid of over 90% of these friends who were cluttering my life with unwanted anecdotes and app notices.
The final straw is Facebook's absolute disregard for your personal privacy. Although Facebook has repeatedly changed its privacy policy, it is still unclear who gets what information about you as a Facebook account holder. Frankly, I'm not sure if Facebook actually honors its policy now or in the past.
In particular, Facebook has taken a very "everything's public" stance on your account content, including your photos, sexual orientation, relationship status, posts regarding your business and personal life. Even when you block applications from seeing your personal data, it is unclear and unlikely that apps harvesting data from Facebook friends who use them will respect your privacy.
And if you don't trust Facebook to safeguard your personal information, why use it?
For example, let's say that a Russian hacker develops a cute little app one of your friends installs that involves saving baby seals, curing cancer, protecting the children, etc. On its face, the app sounds like it is doing something noble. But what if that hacker's app is harvesting your Facebook data simply because your FB friend installed it? Even though you have nothing to do with the app and may not know of its existence?
Would the stuff you post (and friends post about you) on Facebook be enough information for someone to steal your identity, get new credit cards, hack your Facebook account or e-mail? Did you know that the top keyword searches online for "facebook account" also involve the word "hack." Yes, that's right. The number one goal of those searching online for information about Facebook accounts want to know how to hack those accounts. Does that make you feel safe?
It doesn't even have to be a malware app that does it. For instance, a Facebook software glitch recently allowed users to read other people's FB chat conversations without their knowledge or permission.
What about data mining for legitimate profit? Is Facebook or any of its app developers creating profiles from the data it collects about you, cross-referencing it with other data available elsewhere, and targeting you both offline and online for marketing based upon your information? Let's face it. Facebook has very few alternatives for making money except by using/misusing your personal information by selling it to others. The same goes for free Facebook applications.
Facebook's flippant attitude toward your personal privacy is just one reason that Congress and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are taking a hard look at cracking down on Internet privacy abuses. And the company asked for it by mistreating you as a "friend." " Unquote.




Just a thought


Roaddog

Privacy starts with what you personally decide to publish on the internet.

It's always been that way, nothing has changed.

I don't get why people assumed the contrary.

Yup....

Facebook can only "share", what you give them... so if you don't want them to see it, don't show it!

Jay