As many of you will have noticed by now, several Facebook profiles are now sporting the new-look Timeline layout. So far the design has been a voluntary option for the 800 million users of the social network site, but news that it will be rolling out across all profiles as compulsory, as in whether you like it or not, may not be good news for everyone.
The new layout was first announced by Founder and Chief Executive of the social network, Mark Zuckerberg back in September 2011 at the annual Facebook developers’ conference F8. When the option is selected, users’ profile layout becomes a literal timeline of their life, allowing Facebook friends to see the events that have happened to them year by year. The updated profiles also become arguably better presented, with a background image combining with the profile picture.
Zuckerberg describes Timeline as being ‘the story of your life and completely new way to express yourself.’ He said the aim of the new layout is to allow users to share their entire lives while retaining complete control over how it is presented. As with every new change that comes about on the social network, it has been met with some criticism and today’s news is set to cause more controversy.
According to The Telegraph one user had this to say about the forced change ‘I’m sorry but this is rubbish. I’m surprised Facebook hasn’t included a compulsory DNA profile section (default to public obviously).’ Earlier this month we mentioned that for the moment there is a ‘hide from timeline’ option available to those who have already elected the new layout but no longer want it. Our feeling is that if Facebook is to please everyone they should keep this option.
Do you agree? What do you think of Facebook Timeline?
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