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Why Facebook Will Never Enable A Dislike Button

Facebook is swiftly rising as not only one of (if not THE) biggest social hangouts but one of the best advertising mechanisms for businesses/companies/etc. The convenience of it’s flexible features help us target our specific audiences and receive feedback as well. One of those features is the “Like” button.

Who knew that with a click of a button, you could create such an uproar within the masses. Facebook “likes” help build popularity. They help guide “monkey-see, monkey-do” followers into believing said post (or publisher) is of high prestige and importance. The “like” button launched around April of 2010, and it’s since been used the most of anything else on Facebook. What most had in mind (including myself) was: if there’s a like button, where is the dislike button?

I’ve always been a fan of this idea. I was the first to jump on the bandwagon for it. I joined every “Add A Facebook Dislike Button” petition page that ever existed. Having the ability to dislike statuses/photos/etc always seemed like so much fun. Even with so much buzz, Facebook never planned to announce it’s future usage. Some third-party programs attempted at a button. A Mozilla Firefox plug-in was introduced a while back and promised users that with complete installation, you would now have the ability to dislike a friend’s Facebook content. One big issue though? YOU HAD TO BE A FIREFOX USER (Duh!). It pretty much defeated the purpose of having it, and eventually amounted into the hacking/destruction of many Facebook accounts. Boo hoo!

Thinking about it a lot. I now understand why Facebook would never plan to introduce a Dislike button.

One: More Drama/Facebook Fights

A long time friend updates a status about an exboyfriend cheating on her, followed up by some “insightful” advice as to why you should never put yourself in the same situation that she was in. You boldly like the status (knowing that you two have had problems in the past). We’ve all been here before. Does she think I liked it because it’s some spiteful ploy to get back at her for ditching you that ONE time at the mall? - or- Is she aware you liked it in support of her decision to stand up for herself and retract from a bad situation? Most people feel as though having a dislike button would make the difference here. Like would mean: “yeah, you’re a bitch. you deserved it.” A dislike would mean: “I 100% support you girl!” The big thing that people don’t realize is that being a tad bit vague online is GOOD. We all know you can’t really read another person’s emotions VIA laptop screen. So, she can’t attack you for liking it. A generic comment about your support would do wonders here with the “like”. But let’s face it. Having a dislike button available on a piece of content where you actually have a pre-meditated intentions of spreading negativity in a specific direction would create a lot more Facebook wars. It would be clear and definite how you REALLY feel about everything. Granted, if you’re true to your friends, family, and the crowd you keep close to your account, none of this should matter. “you’re looking into this far too much” is what you’re probably thinking, but you’d be surprised as to how people react and mold themselves personally just solely based on the feedback they receive online. It’s great to be informed.

Two: More to complain/bicker about.

Every time some revolutionary feature (that no one would’ve come up with themselves) is introduced to Facebook, it’s always followed by a crusade of Facebook-loathing cry babies who vent TO Facebook ABOUT Facebook. We all know Facebook isn’t perfect. I’ve especially had issues with the chat client software since it’s release. But think about it. BILLIONS OF PEOPLE USE FACEBOOK. In almost every country in the world. Every school, every library, every coffee shop, etc. Doesn’t look like they’re doing too much wrong. It’s your guilty pleasure and you know you can’t live without it. It’s also a free website. It’s ideal to decrease your expectations of greatness about something when you yourself aren’t financially contributing to the picture. You’d also be a lot more inclined to complain as well. But you’re not. You don’t complain about air, do you? Don’t complain about Facebook. After all, no one is forcing you to take away from your late term paper (due probably tomorrow) to check your newsfeed and see what your friends are up to. It’s great to keep things simple. It’s great to keep things the way they are when they’re going well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Britney Spears signs a $15 mil deal for XFactor

Oh, don’t act appalled. You knew this was going happen. The ink has dried completely and the “If U Seek Amy” pop icon has signed a $15 million dollar deal (as if the bitch needed anymore green) to judge XFactor. Now I know what you’re all thinking, “How can she judge people who sing better than her?” The question answers itself. And frankly, Jennifer Lopez does this on Idol every Monday and Wednesday night, so again, rhetorical question. Can Simon sing? No. And he’s pretty much at the forefront of this show. She did not acquire this spot solely based on her vocal ability. Otherwise, I’d request to have the producer(s) executed. Love her or hate her, her legacy has a pop artist is embedded in all of our minds. She’s made a huge impact in the music circle for 13+ years and I don’t think there’s one person who can say that they don’t know a Britney song. She’s a household name and she’s constantly exploited for her well-earned popularity. Let’s face it. TV shows are more concerned with ratings than what is politically correct. Just look at the entire MTV show lineup. You also don’t have to be a vocalist to judge a singing competition. IT SURE HELPS THOUGH (and if you’re Christina Aguilera or the lead singer of Maroon 5, it somewhat gets you your relevance back)! A more practical and appropriate template for judging singing competitions is that you have to be heavily involved in music (like a producer - Randy Jackson) and have experience working with music professionals for a reputable amount of time. By no means am I enhancing Britney or attempting to convince you that she is the MOST qualified for the position. I’m just a little confused as to why people are so dumbfounded by this. Her career is an album or so away from retirement, and her name is solidified. Why not make some easy money in the stride? What do you think?

Tips to make your Grindr Profile More Appealing to the Masses

Grindr is the largest gay-targeted social networking app currently in the world. Just about anyone who’s anybody has it. It can be your best friend, but also your worst enemy. A guilty pleasure. Logging on incessantly in different settings of your life. In the library studying for an exam, on a road trip heading to a distant state, the local coffee shop, or even the cliche night club log in.

I find that when I’m on it (no matter where in the world I am), I see the same constant happenings with the men who migrate on it. The behavior is always the same. As with any social outlet, you get a plethora of types in the gay community. The jocks, the relentless old men, the young attention-starving twinks, the closet cases/DL black guys, the uppity stuck-up “exclusive” gays, etc. Engaging in the same behavior and complaining about the feedback (or lack of) they’re receiving. I’m here to help!

I’m going to give you some simple tips on how to make yourself more appealing to the Grindr masses.

1. STOP HIDING YOUR AGE

I can’t tell you how many time I’ve gone to someone’s Grindr profile, and the age was missing. Completely missing. Age is a credential on social networking sites that people ALWAYS fill out. No one forgets and when it’s hidden, it’s done intentionally. “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number” is a HUGE understatement. Especially in the gay community. Sorry Aailyah. You may pretend like it’s not a big deal, but it really is. Hiding your age only exacerbates the inevitability that you’re insecure about it, and you’re really a 70-year old man with erectile dysfunction living in your parent’s basement jacking off with your thumb and index finger because you can’t keep it up. If you’re a 45 year old man, and you’re using Grindr, be proud of it. Being content with who you are becauseit aids other people in being content with you. ALSO NEWSFLASH: Eventually people are going to find out.

2. PRETENTIOUS HEADLINES

This is a popular one and most especially a HUGE pet peeve of mines. Everyone likes to useful. Everyone likes to feel popular once in a while. Everyone likes to feel that everyone else knows that people want them. I get it. But there is ABSOLUTELY NO NEED to flaunt it. Changing your headline to “I block a lot of people” or “hit me up. you’ll be lucky if I respond” isn’t going to make anyone anymore reluctant to engage in conversation with you. Oh, you block people? Do you? Congrats? We all can block people. You’re not special. Grab a cookie and don’t work too hard. If you’re an attractive guy, it’s assumed that there will be some men contacting you against your will. Take it as a compliment and continue with your regularly scheduled daily programming. In all honesty, saying things like that make you appear arrogant, egotistical, and self-absorbed. And if you think you’re better than everyone else, you’ve defeated the purpose of the app.  Also, people who write “No chinks, No blacks, No spics.” in an attempt to avoid those targeted types from contacting them is dumb as well. Stop doing it. Everyone is entitled to preference. There are just ways you can go about expressing them without degrading yourself.

3. SIDE ANGLE/BLURRY/PHOTOS WITH SUNGLASSES

You really only get ONE SHOT to reel people in. Make it your best shot. I always suggest using your worst photo. That way, there are no surprises. Choose a photo that vividly shows all your facial parts. Your eyes, your nose, your mouth, etc. Quit the side shots. They don’t sell your true attraction (and again, much like the hiding age, it shows you have something to hide). DO NOT. AND I MEAN. DO NOT. Take photos with sunglasses. Not to use in situations where you’re showing someone what you look like.

Photocopy situation I always deal with:

(guy contacts me with no photo)

Him: hello

Me: face pic?

(Yes, I’d like to know who I’m talking to if you don’t mind)

Him: 

………

(I will proceed to continiously ask you to send face pictures until I’m able to completely see who I’m talking to.)

This also goes for blurry or photos where the subject was shot at a far distance from the camera viewfinder. NOBODY CAN SEE YOU. If we can’t see you, we can’t contact you.

4. SMILE AND/OR USE A PHOTO WHERE YOU’RE HAVING FUN/DOING SOMETHING EXCITING

Happy people are attracted to other happy people. When catching someone’s attention, you want to show them that you’re loving your life and everyone in it. I suggest a photo of you smiling or making a goofy candid face. If you’re like me, and you’re not really a smile person, a photo of you doing something wild and bizarre does the job too. Like petting a baby elephant, or standing next to the Eiffel tower (not too far away though), or even blowing a gum bubble. Try to mirror your personality in the photo. A picture DOES mean a thousand words.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR INTENTIONS MATCH YOUR PHOTO

I once had a guy contact me with a shirtless photo. He was telling me how he was looking for a genuine guy to hang with. While pretending to foolishly fall into his “hopeless romantic” ploy, I (internally) called bullshit the entire time. It doesn’t make any sense. If you want to hookup, just say it. There are PLENTY of people who will share their STD’s with you. Lying about your intentions via internet to get laid labels you as DESPERATE. You can’t get laid by telling the truth, so you lie to people about what you want until you get it. And if you’re really seeking a genuine guy, put on some clothes. Do it for yourself. What you put out is what people will feed off of. Men vying after your physical assets won’t care about the intentions in your profile content if your photo is channeling sexual innuendos.

6. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Don’t argue with people if they tell you you’re not their type. Realize that part of social networking (and life) is being rejected once in a while. Believe it or not, it happens to EVERYONE. If you contact someone, and they don’t respond, please do not send them 3456789076543256786543265 more messages. It’s overwhelming. The same can be said from the opposite side of the fence. If you feel you’re being “harassed”, use the block button. That’s why it’s there. Invoke your right to not be bothered. More than likely, if your behavior gets out of control, the word will spread. Others will not engage with you. Take the ignoring as disinterest and wait for them to respond. If they don’t, move on with your life.  There’s a million fish in the sea. They all have different colors, ages, intentions, etc. You’ll find a school to fit in. Take it all in stride and enjoy the gift of social networking.