Facebook recently introduced the Facebook Platform at the F8 in San Francisco The platform allows developers deep access into the Facebook technologies, which essentially lets them build ‘Applications’ based on Facebook. So they are allowed to interact with users, conduct transactions and even display ads (Only where Microsoft ads aren’t being displayed).

The start up has been shaky to say the least. Applications have been frequently disappearing or simply not working. As I write this post, the Application directory is unavailable and I’m expected to look at my mini-feed to discover new apps. But that is understandable that this is a huge step forward for Facebook; and with the introduction of 40 something Applications on launch itself, the servers were bound to crawl. Obviously there are no doubts about the fact that Facebook will pull their act together in a matter of few days; and with Applications being constantly developed as we speak, this will definitely be something to talk about for the next few weeks.

But the real question remains, is this really a good thing? The Facebook applications are nothing but Widgets a user places on their profiles. This in itself beats the whole uniformity principle Facebook has become famous for. A visit to the website would ensure we would see all Users’ profiles in the same manner, and not with flashy colours or glittery fonts. While the last two things haven’t changed (yet), the introduction of Widgets means that every user will basically have a different profile-style altogether. After all, the platform does allow immense control to the developer. And with the platform open to pretty much anyone, what’s stopping a 13 year old with good programming skills but horrible color taste from developing an “application” that plays Avril Lavigne.

Sure Facebook has it’s brilliant privacy controls and all other restrictions which have made it miles better than MySpace. But can it pull this one off without comprising on its basic principles; simplicity and uniformity.

B

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 26th, 2007 at 6:02 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.