There’s much made of Facebook’s decision to allow usernames (and subsequently, vanity URLs), starting 12.01a, Jun13 EST. It’s a big deal. Sort of. It’s something Myspace, Google, Twitter and everyone else has allowed since inception.
So why the freak out? Great question.
Whether it’s a good thing or the first nail in the internet’s coffin, there will be a dramatic, digital land-grab come Saturday. The face of FB will change (ha!) and I, for reasons to be outlined, feel I need to be waiting at 12.02a.
FB has always been a place where your identity (your real one) mattered. The ID number ensures direct accountability. That’ll fade and anyone can (though there will be some limitations) go about their stalking with a username instead of ID.
Many will be able to put “facebook.com/[theirname]” on their business cards. Theoretically, this will make it more OpenID compatible. Users can more easily share their FB profiles and the information therein.
Unfortunately, OpenID and data portability are pipe dreams now. Those that grab their names forfeit another sense of identity. We continue to donate our data and online identities without promise of any control over them (all good things).
That said, the username issue is close to my heart. With an insanely common name, I prefer a username that’s become almost a pseudonym (on top of a mutated anagram). I already have a hacked vanity URL (fb.upthedrain.com) but that just doesn’t cut it.
So I’ll see you at 12.03a on Saturday for the beginning of the end. I’ll be the one wearing bells… (if I remember while on vacation).
Tags: data portability, digital reputation management, privacy, social tools