Shoot! Did I just post that on Facebook?
- 22 June, 2012 17:59
- Comments
Have you ever posted something on Facebook and immediately thought, "Ugh, I shouldn't have said it like that."?
The world's largest social network said Thursday that it is rolling out an editing feature that will let you fix those errant posts.
Previously, users who posted something they immediately regretted -- either because they wish they had said it differently, misspelled a word or simply thought of a funnier way to say it - had to delete the comment and start over.
Now Facebook is allowing users to click the "delete" button within several seconds of posting a comment and they'll be given the option of editing the text.
However, if someone comments on your post first, you're out of luck. You can't edit after someone has commented.
Zeus Kerravala, an analyst with ZK Research, said the new feature may seem small, but it will be helpful to a lot of people.
"People react too quickly and post things without thinking," he said. "This lets people do that, but then think about it and change it. It's about being able to self-edit."
Kerravala is one of the lucky few who says he's never posted something he regretted. He said he sticks to one simple rule.
"The rule of thumb is that if you don't want your mom, spouse or boss to read it, don't post it," he said. "The problem is that I'd say 90% of people don't follow that rule of thumb."
However, users should keep in mind that there also is an Edit History feature, so curious friends could check to see what changes you made to your post. Flip flop on a viewpoint and someone just may call you out on it.
Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed. Her email address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.
See more by Sharon Gaudin on Computerworld.com.
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