The How-To Geek is No Longer on Facebook
A few days ago, Facebook deleted my account on Facebook because “HowTo Geek” is not a real name. I’ve been waiting for a response from them before I posted a note here for all the friends on my list.
Their response (in part)
Facebook profiles are meant to represent a single individual. Organizations of any type are not permitted to maintain an account under the name of their organization. We apologize for the inconvenience, but you will no longer be able to use this account.
I’m not complaining too much, since technically I suppose I was violating their terms, but…
What I do have an issue with is the fact that they gave me no notice whatsoever… they could have just made me rename my account to a “real name” instead of deleting it so I lost all of my friends. Oh well, I’m not worrying about it.
If you want to keep in touch with me on a social network that’s unlikely to delete me, you can find me on StumbleUpon.
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Wow – that is quite ruthless if you ask me – no chance to address the issue – just delete the account.
Not impressed at all with them.
Yeah, seems like they could have at least given me notice or something so I’d have a chance to message everybody and tell them to add me on the new profile. Obviously the people that added me as friends didn’t do it by accident.
If anybody wants to get in touch with me you can use StumbleUpon as mentioned above, or you can always email me at geek@howtogeek.com
(Please note that it does take me a while to sift through all the email.)
I never found you on Facebook but, uh, just throwing it out there: Facebook does have an option to create a page for your business/organization/etc., and I’m pretty sure it isn’t linked to your real profile if that privacy were a concern.
@Nicholas
I did have a page on there, but it’s not really very useful for interacting with people. Also, they deleted the page since it was created by my account.
I have the same problem too. Facebook is not allow Planet Lowyat
Boy that’s really quite nasty of them. I keep hearing this kind of thing lately. I’m seriously beginning to believe a bunch of juvenile delinquents are manning some of these sites. In that, they just arbitrarily do whatever pleases them and don’t care about any of the repercussions there actions might have on anyone. So sad and I don’t blame you for leaving them off.
I can tell you there are plenty of organizations having accounts on Facebook. You were not the only one.
Thats pathetic. How can they remove account without any notice? Shameless.
That’s a shame and very unfair of them. Considering they have an official application to create ‘Ads or Pages’ for organizations etc. They could have give you the opportunity to set a real name, and either still use your account as normal, or create a page using their application.
I must say though, it’s funny how “The Parmo King” who was advertised on the TV etc etc, is still allowed their account
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=Parmo+King
How very annoying.
They do seem to be a capricious bunch. What’s really funny is that the biggest problem with Facebook seems to removing one’s account. You may have inadvertently tripped over the long sought 1-click-delete. There may be a how-to in this
@Jeff
That’s a great idea =)
Whats to stop me from using an alias? There is no way for them to stop me.
Facebook is no better than myspace for privacy. It is just a place where privacy goes to die. I tend to stay away from most social networks that require actual personal information. What ever happened to everyone using an alias on the internet? It was great fun when no one knew if what someone said was the truth about them self or not.
I miss the privacy of the internet.
@Zac
I feel the same way… I represent the nameless Geek, always there to help somebody in need.
The goal of this site is bigger than any one single person. It’s not about me, it’s about you and the other readers, and all the people that find computers a scary and dark place… this site is about helping them through it. As a person I’m flawed and cranky, but as an idea… The Geek is important. People need to know there’s somebody to help them.
I will say that it’s a huge productivity boost to stay away from social networks. =)
@The Geek
The only reason I use my real name today on the internet is due to the fact that when I used to google myself nothing would come up. Knowing that this could be bad when a potential employer looks me up online I decided to use my real name.
On the same note, I would not want a potential employer to find my sinkholes. If I spend all day on a single site the last thing I want someone to find is that. In this world the hiring person will google you before even calling for an interview. It is extremely important to know what information is out there. More so you should try to control it to the best of your ability. I don’t mind someone relating this comment to me, but if I was to get into a massive flame war about nothing I don’t want it to come back and bite me.
Privacy is a mixed bag. If it wasn’t for the future employment issue I would still be using random aliases all of the time. Bob Smith, oh how I miss thee. (former alias)
It looks like its time to legally change your name to How-To Geek.
@the Geek,
have you try friendster? Maybe you are allowed to use that name there. Friendster is among the highest traffic for social network website other than facebook. and just out of curious, is it against the law or any terms & agreements to have say this type of website (how-to-geek) linked from other website (say a directory or review based website)? Since facebook delete you for unclear reason, I was thinking are we allowed to like review or link some websites without further notice or “permission”? By the way, like you said, this site has actually helped (at least myself) few times when I was in need and have no idea of where to refer.
yahoo groups check out this for a change ..a social network that’s unlikely to delete you
http://groups.yahoo.com/
As far as I know facebook now (from November 2007???) allows corporate accounts so you should be OK.
http://www.facebook.com/business/?pages
Geek, you better use your ‘own name’ at facebook…
The ‘Automated System’ will approve it (hopefully)…!
I think facebook recently changed their layout so that organizations can create profiles, now. Instead of calling people “friends”, they are now called “fans”. You should check it out to see if I’m right.