Facebook is making changes, again. Drat!

Facebook confirmed upcoming changes to my favorite function on Facebook Business pages - Static FBML.  If you are wondering what the heck it is, in simpler terms, it’s how people manage to use HTML to make branded landing pages on their official Facebook business page.  The big change means, instead of having 720 pixel-width to play with, you will now only have 520 pixels.  That is a loss of 30%, that is a huge amount of screen real estate.  Additionally, new installs of the Static FBML app will no longer permit you to place it on the Wall, located on the left side of the Wall content. Instead, the only option is to create a separate tab on the top  Word on the street is previous implementations of the Static FBML “box” on the Wall remain — for now, but I have a feeling that will be temporary given they are removing boxes too in August.  WHAT?!

Facebook also confirmed they will also axe profile boxes in August. Urgh.  I am sure this is all a part of a grand plan to make Facebook stronger, faster, and more awesome, and the fine folks at Facebook reassure us that this is the case, but I have to say it’s really hard to see that benefit just now.  Let’s all just hope the new tools they are developing will be worth the headache.

Do you “Like” the change?

Just when we were all getting comfortable with the whole Facebook “Fan Page” concept, the game changes.  No longer will you asked to become a fan of a page, your only option will be to “Like” the content, service, product, etc, which Facebook officially hopes “will feel much more lightweight, and that it will increase the number of connection made across the site.”

What’s the bigger plan?

Facebook wants to take this whole “Like” option to the non-Facebook web, so it was important to streamline the concept now.  If you are interested in reading more about Facebook’s plans, they have that over at TechCrunch.

Pimp Out Your Facebook Fan Page for FREE with Involver

If you’re looking for a quick and painless way to add some cool custom tabs and information to your Facebook fan page, then steer your browser over to Involver.  There you will find a list of super cool free apps you can add to your page.  The folks at Involver are generous enough to let you have 2 of them free of charge, but in order to make use of others, you will have to send them a request for a proposal.

I am currently using Involver’s Twitter app on our fan page, and I like it!  Their branding is on it, but it’s not overpowering.  If you are unsure, just check out our fan page and see what you think!