The Facebook Blog – Like or Dislike?

At first impression, much like using Facebook itself, this blog seems user-friendly and appealing.  It's only with closer examination that several flaws become apparent. Are these shortcomings enough to warrant a click of the long requested Dislike button? Perhaps, but first let's give credit to the positive aspects of Facebook's blog.

Pros:

• The blog makes effective use of graphics and interactive content. The latest post is titled Introducing New Apps for Timeline. This post includes links to referenced sites and webpages. A couple of screen shots are posted to illustrate what the new apps will look like. And there's a short demo video showing why users will want to add new apps to their profiles. Overall visually attractive and engaging. Thumbs up.
• The blog style is the familiar Facebook story format. Viewers can click "like" or comment and share just like any other Facebook post. Yeah for cohesiveness.

And now for the cons:

• All of the blog posts are authored by different people. Maybe Facebook employees each have to take a turn writing a blog post or something. Whatever the reason, effective blogging is about building a connection to the readers. And that just doesn't happen with a new author every post.
• There are only about two to three blog posts a month. The latest post was back in January. Facebook's blog seems to be more about the occasional news bulletin than engaging the readers with fresh content.  I suggest Facebook use their blog for both introducing new features and providing a steady stream of helpful or entertaining posts.
• The most major flaw of Facebook's blog is the total lack of response to user comments. There are thousands of comments expressing worries or dislike for the new Timeline feature. These user comments are not only on Timeline posts but also on other posts such as the introduction to new apps. Obviously, thousands of people have something to say about the Timeline feature. But there's no Facebook response to all this feedback. No blog addressing people's concerns. Not even a comment from one of the authors. An effective blog is about communication. Ignoring user feedback implies that Facebook doesn't really care about the users. Is that the message Facebook Blog wants to send? Thumbs down.

Even though the blog is well structured, it's not going to hook a steady audience. And after considering the cons, I won't be back to read The Facebook Blog anytime soon.