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Facebook introduces usernames like MySpace and Twitter

FACEBOOK users will be given the choice of creating a username to simplify links to their profile, similar to other networking sites like MySpace and Twitter.

Traditionally, Facebook users have been identified by a long numeric ID — meaning that links to profile pages look something like this:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=123456789

Last night the site announced it would introduce usernames, like pretty much every other networking service around. That means links will be easier to remember:

http://www.facebook.com/andrewramadge

The usernames will be assigned on a first in, first served basis.

Predictably and inexplicably, the news led to thousands of complaints. After about five hours, the announcement had more than 16,000 comments — many of them negative.

Here are a few gems:

y ? i dont wanna that !!!!!
Ok. Another reason not to use FB.
THIIS IIS STUPID!!!
Not sure I am giong to like this!

And, my favourite:

im going to get darth vader

Before you get too excited about creating some hilarious username like “motherlover5000”, you should read the rules. And in true Facebook style, there are quite a few.

First — only people who already have an account will be able to create a username. New sign-ups will have to wait a few weeks longer, to stop people from jumping on the bandwagon just to secure a sought-after username.

Second — once you’ve picked a username, you won’t be able to change it. Try not to make any typos.

Third — you won’t be able to pick a generic word like “flowers” or “pizza” as your username. Facebook also says it will prevent “certain” words from being used — which I can only assume means “naughty” words.

Fourth — usernames have to be unique. That means there can only be one “andrewramadge” — kind of like Highlander except without swords. Other people with the same name will have to put numbers after it or something.

Fifth — Facebook can remove or reclaim your chosen username at any time for any reason and probably without any explanation.

The username process opens at midnight this Saturday, Facebook time. In our time, that means 2pm Saturday (AEST). Adjust accordingly if you’re not on the east coast.

New sign-ups will have to wait until June 28 to pick one.

More reading:

“We’re planning to offer Facebook usernames to make it easier for people to find and connect with you. When your friends, family members or co-workers visit your profile, they will be able to enter your username as part of the URL in their browser.” — Blaise DiPersia on the Facebook Blog

“Today Facebook announced it would offer its members usernames to give them a permanent web address. Just like Twitter. Can someone say ‘obvious rip-off’?” — Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson at The Courier-Mail