Facebook Timeline has been on the back burner for months now, after it was first announced at the company's f8 conference in September. Despite much delay, it is finally rolling out to the public, starting with New Zealand. That means it's only a matter of days before it comes to you, so brace your News Feed, because the fans and protestors are coming in full-force. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Facebook Timeline.
New Features
The new features are significantly different than any other upgrade to Facebook before. Timelinepresents a way to digitally document your entire life, from birth to present, via wall posts, photos, announcements and events. Consider it a neatly organized social scrapbook with a visually pleasing interface.
Facebook Timeline: In-Depth
The New Facebook Profile: Timeline
Timeline is a radical departure from previous versions of the Facebook user profile. The most prominent feature is the addition of a cover photo at the top of the page. Users can change this to whatever they'd like it to be.
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If you haven't already received an invite to Timeline, and don't want to wait any longer, you canenable it now in eight simple steps. Timeline was supposed to be released to the public in September. October. November. The feature was set back, possibly after a copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against Facebookby Timelines.com. Later, Facebook admitted it was taking its time to roll out Timeline to users, relying on more technically adept people to experience the features first. Mashable's Lance Ulanoff explains, "Facebook is trying to educate the media on the fundamentals and benefits of Timeline."
What to Do With Your New Timeline
So, if or when your Facebook Timeline is activated, what exactly should you do with it? That's up to you, and how much you want to reveal to your friends and followers. But there are a lot of new features that have the potential to create a captive, visual biography. Regardless of how much information you choose to fill out, there are a few different methods and privacy-related points to consider.
How to Fill In Your Facebook Timeline
1. The Timeline Menu Bar
As you scroll down your new Timeline, a floating menu bar will appear at the top of your screen. Use it to add new events.
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What does all of this mean for Facebook's more than 800 million users? That depends on your stance about the new features. Facebook Timeline is a way to document your entire life, from birth to present, but because the company began in 2004 for college students, it might take some time and effort to manually fill out.
Creative Inspiration
Some have already jumped into Timeline and are getting creative with their profile presentation, most specifically cover photos, which is a new feature that includes a personalized image at the top of the page.
10 Facebook Timeline Designs That Will Blow You Away
1. Ekkapong Techawongthaworn
Playful and fun, we're big fans of Ekkapong's rainy creation.
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What About Privacy?
Some have clamed, in criticism of Facebook Timeline, that by encouraging users to fill their profile, the company is seeking to capture more user data to further appeal to advertisers. Others have expressed concern that it is now easier to discover information about a person that was previously difficult to access. Further more, some believe these additional features regarding users' personal information may encourage identity theft.
Your Thoughts
We asked our readers if they would fill in their Facebook Timeline gap when the new features were first announced in September, and we received a mix of responses.
- "I think for people, this is less important, but for businesses, it could be huge. I would love to be able to see how often a business has posted and changed throughout their history, rather than simply looking at a static website, of what they choose to put as their History. This could be really neat. As for me, there’s no way I’d bother going back and adding things. What a waste!" - Chris Gregoire
- "Google+ is looking more and more attractive." - Graham Giblin
- "I’m really enjoying the new profile layout. It really gives users a lot more character to their profiles without going down the road of MySpace. Although, I feel like Facebook has overlooked the importance of profile pictures as they have been relegated to a 180×180 box. Additionally cover pics can’t be clicked and it takes 3 steps to actually like or comment on them. Too bad" - Randolph Burlton
- "I have tried Timeline on my own profile and I would have to say that it is an absolute masterpiece of social & personal news consumption…I only wish I had posted more on it. It also encourages oneself to be a bit more open because you’re literally creating your life’s history on the web – in a format that no others have. Bravo." - Bob Orchard
- "I actually find it rather arrogant to think that my friends would be even the slightest bit interested in what I got for my seventh birthday. My Timeline shall remain pretty blank." -Aaron Martin-Colby
Mashable's Complete Facebook Timeline Coverage
Facebook Timeline Essentials
- Facebook Timeline: The Complete Guide
- Facebook Timeline Is Here: Are You In?
- Facebook Users Beware: Facebook's New Feature Could Embarrass You
- Facebook Privacy: 3 Fights to Expect When You Get the New Timeline
- The New Facebook: How to Take Control of Your Privacy
- No, You Aren't Going to Quit Facebook
Timeline Resources
- How to Fill In Your Facebook Timeline
- 10 Fresh Designs for Creative Inspiration [PICS]
- 10 Simple Tips and Tricks
- 5 Sites for Customizing Your Cover Photo
- 10 Stunning Designs [PICS]
Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.
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