Facebook Email – The Much Hyped Launch That Never Took Off
“Why You’ll Give Up Gmail for Facebook Mail,” reported the popular electronics and gadgets news website, Gizmodo. Yet another sensational story, “Facebook Mail – The Gmail Killer”, was reported by Huffington Post and TechCrunch. It was believed that estimated 500 million users would make the switch from Google’s popular Gmail to Facebook Email. Really? Forget about switching from Gmail; The real question is how many of us are really aware about this “Email” feature? Not to worry, it was then forced upon Facebook users without them ever knowing.
Even if users knew they could check their Facebook Email through a regular POP client, would they jump at the chance to dump their email through Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail? Probably not. Why? Good question. Think about the purpose of Facebook. It’s a social networking site designed for people to stay connected with friends and family. People post about their personal lives on the internet, play silly games, take ridiculous tests, and read their horoscopes.
Keeping in mind the purpose of Facebook, it is bit difficult to have professional communications over Facebook. May be what people want is ‘work while you work; play while you play.’ No need to mix up these two aspects. Besides this reason, it looks like, Facebook failed to highlight this feature. It is barely noticeable unless you have read about it somewhere.
Moreover, did you know Facebook changed everyone’s visible email address to Facebook Email address? Without asking users’ permission, Facebook changed everyone’s email address to <username>@facebook.com. Check it out in the “About” section of your Facebook profile. See it? Can you believe it? Not only are users unaware of the Facebook Email, they probably didn’t know it was displayed on their profile…without permission. Facebook claims this is all a method to protect users’ privacy, but it appears more like a way to increase use of their email system. Or an easier way for spammers to contact users. All they need is your username or ID number, add “@facebook.com” and pow! Users are prime targets for spammers. Doesn’t seem protective of privacy AT ALL.
So is everyone ready to give up their Gmail for Facebook Email? Better yet, how many Facebook users are happy to hear a Facebook Email address was forced upon them without permission? Way to go Facebook. Nothing like taking advantage of your mega status to force changes upon users. You’ve done it before, and despite complaints, you will do it again.
1 Comment
Govind
10.08.2012
Thanks Gaurang Patel for informing about the Facebook Email. Your are right, many of the Facebook users are unaware about the email facility provided by Facebook. Thanks to your post this blog may help others like me.
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