Facebook Chat – Is This Necessary?
Posted on: April 25, 2008 at 5:11 am | Posted under: Technology
I had the chance to finally use the new chat application that Facebook (FB) has launched. At first I was excited about this, because I am able to communicate with my friends on FB in real-time. Unfortunately, there are a number of drawbacks to this web-based chat system.
First, I have to be logged into FB to use this. I barely check the site anymore the way it is, why do I want to be logged in just to use this? Can’t there be an AIM plug-in that will talk to the chat API to get the same information?
Second, no alert! It was by chance that I ended up using the chat yesterday afternoon. An old friend of mine messaged me to see what television I was catching up on from Wednesday night. No sound alert, no visual alert, just a chat window that came up from the bottom of the page. I know this application is new, but look at the successful chat software out there and take a cue from them. There is a reason why AIM is still so popular.
Third, the interface is very minimal. I like modern design, I keep things looking clean and uncluttered, but in this case – less is not more. I was barely able to do anything from within the chat itself. Again, take a look at AIM and it’s success and learn from that.
Overall, I applaud FB on their efforts, but stick to getting the new layout done. Keep the chat application to those who know what they are really doing.
AJ Vaynerchuk has some interesting insights into the chat application, be sure to check out his article.
What are your thoughts on the new chat from Facebook?
Cheers!
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