Why Does Facebook Change Things So Often?

It seems like every few weeks facebook, Google, and other search engine and online Socially Networked sites make changes in layout, rankings, file handling and in the case of facebook especially changes to privacy settings that “reconnect” users as a default value in at least some of the network.

Here are a couple explanations just off the top of my not so pointy head about why…

1. There are hundreds and sometimes thousands of programmers that can engineer these updates at the larger venues. They are very good at what they do and somewhat competitive about creating new and better code and functions.

  • Benefit? It is crazy to see what a person can do with a free Google account and free YouTube account and free facebook account communicating, creating teams and networks and promoting their product, company or organization. The money and time it would cost to accomplish the same levels of activity and exposure even 5 years ago or using traditional media venues is in the thousands of dollars per month if you work the free systems. And yes…it’s all FREE!
  • Caveat? It’s all FREE! This means that you do not get to demand privacy, customer service, statistical reporting, continuous and ongoing service or the “right” to continue using your free accounts. You will eventually be advertised to on these venues and this is only fair in my opinion. They do offer privacy policies, statistical reporting, fantastic uptime and reliability for a free service and they do make some attempt to engage developers and users in assimilating the changes.

Continued in Part 2 – Engagement and how Social Networking and facebook in particular use similar tactics to Video Games…addictive? Maybe!

After that in Part 3 – Privacy concerns and feature switches – Google Changes Things Too!!

About the author

Kathryn Booth Trainor

I have owned and operated two service companies which merged into one, still in business after almost 20 years. The company was sold and I began writing and consulting while I completed my MBA at Oklahoma State University in 2006 with emphasis on Marketing and Project Management. My special expertise is in helping people evaluate entrepreneurial ventures, formulate business and marketing plans and structure their companies to be both lucrative and fulfilling. In addition, I have some techniques for transition planning and project management that I use to help clients move from one phase of operations to the next level. Because of the breadth of my business knowledge, combined with writing and marketing skills, I can quickly and effectively create an online footprint with website, mobile app, social media channels and search engine optimization that gets found fast. In web and print advertising, having just the right words and communicating each company's unique flavor and capabilities make the most impact. Specialties:Entrepreneurial experience with service companies and micro-businesses, Marketing and promotional materials, Business plans, Strategic Plans, Trusted Advisor