Comparing Facebook and Myspace

I decided that since we finally had a lesson requiring us to make a Facebook page, then I should also try out the massively popular Myspace. So I now have both a Myspace page and Facebook page. In comparing the two sites, here is what I've found:

Facebook:
Limits layouts--you cannot have massively creative backgrounds (or annoying backgrounds as I've seen posted by some bloggers on their blogs) Facebooks alternative is that you can add applications to your page which will add pictures. Uses applications to add anything extra to your profile page, such as: video, music, pictures, etc. You cannot add HTML or Javascript to your descriptions of yourself or interests. Allows you to join Networks--very tricky to join college networks as they require college email (really cute thing--their discontinuing the college networks [maybe all networkds] soon. I got an email address from my college alumni to be able to join the alumni college network, and as soon as I completed the network sign-up, it came up with a note that networks would soon be discontinued!) Still, it's nice that everything in your profile is clickable--you click on it & Facebook checks for other Facebook people that have that item in their profile.

Myspace:
Allows you to add fun, creative backgrounds. Lets you add music to your profile & vdieos. Let's you add HTML/Javascript to your entries about yourself, your interests, etc.

Both:
Allow you to find and add friends and will show your friends on your profile. Allow you to join groups (found many Library-related groups to join on both sites), but only Facebooks shows your groups on your profile page.

That's pretty much all I've found so far in my comparison.

Thing 62

Good lesson to know; although, I'd rather find another PDF form filler that doesn't want to keep adding logos to the PDFs. If you mention this to a library patron, you kind of have to point out that they will only be able to fill out 2 non-editable PDF forms for free at PDFescape. After that they will have to buy some credits with real money.

I'm looking forward to the next lesson. Maybe Topia will be completely free and not add logsos.

Thing 61

It was interesting to do this lesson, researching libraries on Facebook. I found that both my undergrad & grad college libraries are available as apps on Facebook:

Alvernia Library Search

BISON Catalog-UB Libraries

I added some library apps to my profile: Library Gifts, Librarian, My Library Thing, National Archives Libraries & Museum. And I "became a fan" of: Library Journal and Internet Public Library. Finally, I joined some library groups: Libraries and Librarians, Librarians and Facebook, FacebookAppsForLibraries, Library 2.0 Interest Group, and Don't Mess With Me, I Worked in a Public Library.

I noticed that some libraries have created and made available a Ask A Librarian facebook app for their library systems.

I think it would be great if we could get the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County added as a profile page on Facebook. Plus, maybe Ohio's Know It Now could be added as an app on Facebook.

Thing 60

I completed the lesson. Facebook is another way to connect with people on the web. It is fairly easy to use, check out my profile. I had problems trying to add some networks--the colleges I attended required a college email address, as an alumnus I don't have a current college email. The good thing about this lesson is just getting some practice in for using Facebook so I can help any patrons if they have problems using it.