Comments on: Why I Don’t Like “Like”

By: Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:39:03 +0000

Yes, got it. I agree with you agreeing with me :-) (and like it)

By: WisTex

WisTex — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:33:51 +0000

Just for clarification, I am not saying I approve of why they did it, I am just saying that is the likely reason. I think it is misleading and confusing, and preferred “Fan” for the same reasons you do.

By: Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:15:03 +0000

True, but then consumers don't really know what they're signing up for,
which isn't a good practice. But, as we've seen before, Facebook doesn't
seem to care what consumers want!

By: WisTex

WisTex — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:10:12 +0000

I think the real reason is they wanted more trackable actions for their Facebook ads. Since “Like” is more likely to be clicked upon than “Become a Fan” they chose “Like.” That way they can go to advertisers and show a higher click through rate.

By: tracigere

tracigere — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:09:29 +0000

I am completely with you on this one, Rachel. It's confusing and accomplishes nothing. Being a “fan” implied a long-term connection with a brand or an organization, whereas “like” speaks to a momentary reaction. I also found myself scanning a FB page for the number of fans, couldn't find it, and gave up. Little did I know that “382,875 people like this” means that these are the people formerly known as “fans.” What were they thinking?

By: Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:05:56 +0000

Thanks for the comment Mike. I do like the “like” feature across the web, I
just find the terminology confusing, as it's the same as becoming a fan now.
But, yes, I'm sure a lot of people aren't comfortable with it. (although
they just don't have to use it, I'm not sure why they would need to shut
down their facebook account)

By: Mike Robert

Mike Robert — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:56:56 +0000

I agree with you Rachel! I don't like how users must now “LIKE” Pages. It's not accurate for Pages you fan loosely to keep in touch or to post feedback on their wall :)

As for the LIKE feature more broadly on the Web, I think it's a genius move for Facebook to compete with Google. But for users, I'm not sure it's in their best interest. Can't say I'm a fan of Zuck's push for people's interest to be public. Just last week someone told me they were closing their FB account because of the LIKE feature across the Web. I turned it off for now…

By: TPapi

TPapi — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:25:57 +0000

It seems to me that the “like” versus “fan” is purely a semantic move from Facebook to encourage connecting with companies and bands by lowering the threshold for that connection through the use of a word that they previously attached with a different less significant action.

It's causing all kinds of confusion and language issues, but Facebook assumes that it will blow over like all the privacy and layout issues have and then they and the companies that advertise on FB be the beneficiaries of more likers/fans.

By: Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:44:12 +0000

All I have to say to that, is Oy! :-)

By: Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:41:53 +0000

Interesting re the green square. But, we're supposed to remember that?

I wasn't even meaning internationally, I just mean in the US even! Which, yes, makes it even more confusing internationally!!