Instagram and Twitter Together in Harmony

KENNESAW, Ga.- Twitter and Instagram have now teamed up to crossover names for users who have different usernames on the two interfaces.

In a recent article by Lauren Indvik it is discussed that Twitter and Instagram are trying to make life easier for users by attaching their different usernames within the two social media outlets. This should simplify use of the two sites by making it easier to tag Instagram friends in tweets and vice versa.

The update that Instagram released on Thursday, October 18, 2012 will automatically translate your Instagram handle when mentioned to your Twitter name when the tweet is sent. The only thing users need to after downloading the update is link their Twitter account to their Instagram account.

As a Twitter and Instagram user myself, I thoroughly believe this update will help us all. It is beyond frusterating to attempt to mention a Twitter follower on Instagram only to find out that the link in your tweet leads to nothing because the mentioned name is only that persons Instagram handle.

As social media constantly evolves, its nice to know that the creators are after more than just making money and gaining users, but pleasing their current and loyal users as well.

KENNESAW, Ga.- It could be that Facebook users may get some money in a settlement thanks to a lawsuit regarding "Sponsored Stories" advertisements.

A New Settlement

In a recent article by Alex Fitzpatrick, the new Facebook settlement versus the old and opposed one are discussed. Fitzpatrick tells of Saturday October 6, 2012 when Facebook offered a new $20 million settlement for the affected users of Sponsored Stories. This settlement would leave each user with up to ten dollars in apologies for what the users considered to be a breach of privacy.

Sponsored Stories is seen by just about everyone on Facebook and features the icon sized profile pictures and names of users who have "liked" a page or business. Companies see this as free endorsement for their page by the all of the affected users, while the users see it as an intrusion. 

Prior Arrangements

In a previous deal Facebook proposed in August, the company had agreed to set aside $10 million in donations for internet privacy groups. This deal was struck down by a judge because it did not offer funds to the upset users.

The question is, does ten dollars suffice in covering up already exposed information about Facebook users? While Facebook can and should go back and delete all evidence of Sponsored Stories from Newsfeeds and Homepages alike, it does not overcompensate for the fact that it has already been seen.

Fitzpatrick's Take

Author Alex Fitzpatrick does a wonderful job of remaining unbiased in his article, 
Facebook Proposes Fresh $20 Million Privacy Settlement. To me however it seems that Facebook is trying to pull a fast one on its users. We all know how much money Facebook receives from advertising, and if they are going to use our information to do so, shouldn't we at least get a cut? If I could sell my own info to companies for money, which I can, I would want much more than ten dollars, and Facebook users should too.

What's Next

I am interested to see how a judge deals with the current offer on the table by Facebook. While $20 million seems like a great deal of money as one lump sum, divided amongst the over 125 million affected users, it really is not.