Facebook Places

[talon]

Like LJ, Facebook fills a purpose and a void.

Sure, there are things one doesn't like about each of them. Honestly, there's always going to be someone who doesn't fit perfectly, who has different needs, who wants a different feature or doesn't use a number of features. It's impossible to appeal to everybody.

Me, I dislike that LJ equates "adult" with pornography and explicit and perhaps even gratuitous acts of sex. "Adult" is far more than that. I equate it to more complex ideas and concepts, a more nuanced enjoyment, and a discussion of things that have wider impact. This is why I have chosen to ignore LJ's "adult" settings and put practically everything behind cuts.

The new rumpus about Facebook Places (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20014183-501465.html?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.11 ) is pretty much the same thing.

Those of us that don't want to participate can go to our privacy options and opt out. Yes, Facebook automatically sets the option so it can be seen and used - an opt out rather than an opt in, and it's time consuming the first time, and you have to remember to mark that you don't want friends marking your location, either, but once you've set up your options, that's it until the next time Facebook changes things.

Me, I'm more upset about them moving the logout button so you have to hunt for it instead of it being right there front and center.

I was aggravated about them moving the "Hide" button, but it's really no more clicks now than before, once you figured out what they'd done with it and were brave enough to click on the "Delete" button instead.

I wish they'd put in a "Bummer" button (or a "Dislike" button, if you prefer that term). I'd be happy with smiley and frowny faces instead of "like" and "Dislike" button.

But I continue to use LJ (obviously) and Facebook (and a number of other social network programs, some public, some very private). And I probably will so long as I feel the benefits and connections outweigh the inconveniences and cost.

Judging by the numbers of members of these networks, I think a lot of other people feel the same way.