Vanity URLs (Why are some people able to get them and not other???)
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Post #1
2 replies
Jonathan wroteon August 15, 2008 at 7:24am
I previously made a request about allowing us to create Vanity URLs. This would mean giving us the ablility to have our own URL.
For Example:
www.facebook.com/chrisbrow
www.facebook.com/justintim
This was the response I received from Facebook Support:
"Unfortunately we are not currently able to approve requests for vanity URLs. The only Pages that presently have vanity URLs are bands and businesses that partnered with us for the initial launch of this new product. We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Page(s) in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
However, now that it is Election Time I see all the major Politicians "magically" have one??? If they are able to receive 'Vanity URLs' what about the rest of us?
http://www.facebook.com/jo
http://www.facebook.com/hi
http://www.facebook.com/ba
Why do some Artists, Businesses, Politicians, etc. get an unfair promotional advantage over the rest of us?
When will the rest of us be able to get Vanity URLs??? :-(
For Example:
www.facebook.com/chrisbrow
www.facebook.com/justintim
This was the response I received from Facebook Support:
"Unfortunately we are not currently able to approve requests for vanity URLs. The only Pages that presently have vanity URLs are bands and businesses that partnered with us for the initial launch of this new product. We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Page(s) in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
However, now that it is Election Time I see all the major Politicians "magically" have one??? If they are able to receive 'Vanity URLs' what about the rest of us?
http://www.facebook.com/jo
http://www.facebook.com/hi
http://www.facebook.com/ba
Why do some Artists, Businesses, Politicians, etc. get an unfair promotional advantage over the rest of us?
When will the rest of us be able to get Vanity URLs??? :-(
Post #2
Jonathan replied to Jonathan's poston August 18, 2008 at 6:25am
And now the Olympic athletes are able to get them too.
http://www.facebook.com/mi
The rest of us are still stuck with that long random number at the end of our URLs... :-(
http://www.facebook.com/mi
The rest of us are still stuck with that long random number at the end of our URLs... :-(
Post #3
1 reply
Andreas wroteon August 18, 2008 at 7:28am
It is only available for Facebook pages.... not for profiles.
Post #4
Jonathan replied to Andreas's poston August 21, 2008 at 1:29pm
Sorry sir... but that's not entirely true. While the Vanity URLs are for Facebook Pages, the problem is that they ARE NOT AVAILABLE for ALL USERS.
Currently what you'll receive when you create a Facebook Page is a URL with a long number at the end of it.
For example, compare the URLs below.
First Set of Facebook Pages
http://www.facebook.com/ba
http://www.facebook.com/ch
Second Set of Facebook Pages
http://www.facebook.com/pa
http://www.facebook.com/pa
Notice the difference?
Why are some allowed the first set of URLs which are in a superior format (especially for promotion of a Page) while other users are stuck with that Long Ugly Number at the end???
What I want is either the removal that long number from the end of the Facebook PAGE's URL or a URL in the format provided to other people in the First Set.
Initially I was told that only those who were a part of the initial launch promotion could get these URLs for their Pages. That's now an invalid statement as the current Politicians and Olympic Athletes have been granted them.
What I want is to have this option available for the rest of the us who operate Facebook Pages.
Currently what you'll receive when you create a Facebook Page is a URL with a long number at the end of it.
For example, compare the URLs below.
First Set of Facebook Pages
http://www.facebook.com/ba
http://www.facebook.com/ch
Second Set of Facebook Pages
http://www.facebook.com/pa
http://www.facebook.com/pa
Notice the difference?
Why are some allowed the first set of URLs which are in a superior format (especially for promotion of a Page) while other users are stuck with that Long Ugly Number at the end???
What I want is either the removal that long number from the end of the Facebook PAGE's URL or a URL in the format provided to other people in the First Set.
Initially I was told that only those who were a part of the initial launch promotion could get these URLs for their Pages. That's now an invalid statement as the current Politicians and Olympic Athletes have been granted them.
What I want is to have this option available for the rest of the us who operate Facebook Pages.
Post #5
1 reply
Mark wroteon August 22, 2008 at 7:39pm
Jonathan -
One immediate problem I see with your plan is that it would dissalow for two people with the same name to have a page. Now I realize we're talking about 'pages' not 'profiles' - but still.
'
Now, if what facebook said is true and only those 'pages' who were there from the launch got special 'number free' urls - I think there's no problem. If they added a few pages for the _presidential candidates_ which happened to be 'number free' - I think there's no problem. If they added them to _record breaking gold medalists_ which happened to be 'number free' - I still think there's no problem.
Basically - i can see (just speculating here ...) facebook adding 'number free' pages for people that would _boost facebook's worldwide presence_. I still think there's no problem. Facebook isn't your personal playground. It's free, it doesn't have to be fair.
One immediate problem I see with your plan is that it would dissalow for two people with the same name to have a page. Now I realize we're talking about 'pages' not 'profiles' - but still.
'
Now, if what facebook said is true and only those 'pages' who were there from the launch got special 'number free' urls - I think there's no problem. If they added a few pages for the _presidential candidates_ which happened to be 'number free' - I think there's no problem. If they added them to _record breaking gold medalists_ which happened to be 'number free' - I still think there's no problem.
Basically - i can see (just speculating here ...) facebook adding 'number free' pages for people that would _boost facebook's worldwide presence_. I still think there's no problem. Facebook isn't your personal playground. It's free, it doesn't have to be fair.
Post #6
Jonathan replied to Mark's poston August 23, 2008 at 10:29am
Re-read their original response to me.
"We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Page(s) in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
If it's about boosting their worldwide presence, look at all the famous musicians and actors on here without the shortened 'number free' URL. Also Facebook is used worldwide, not just in the United States. And yet no Politician or Leader of any country around the world has their own 'number free' URL. Even in the US, no past or current PRESIDENT has a 'number free' URL. And yet 'US Presidential CANDIDATES' get one?
The Artists, Actors, Actresses I know would rather promote their MySpace pages as they have URLs that both they and their Fans will easily remember and intuitively find. Urls that are also more attractive to put on their own promotional materials. Shouting out a URL with long number at the end to a crowd of people??? They will likely not be able to retain it easily and have long since forgotten it when they get back to a computer.
My issue is that they have obviously began giving out 'number-free' URLs again selectively. My question is when will this be available to the rest of us? Maybe they paid Facebook to get them, I don't know? Whatever the process is to get one I'd just like to know what that is, so I can in turn pass that information to the Artists I know.
As to the 'personal playground' comment... Facebook is a BUSINESS, as such features like this (that they have provided before and continue to provide selectively now) can be given out to more individuals if they desire. It's all all about the demand for such things. And even after that, getting one might still be negotiated through other means.
My comments are expressing that the demand to get 'Number-Free' URLs does indeed exist. My argument is that providing these more user-friendly, promotable, and easily memorable URLs WOULD boost Facebook's worldwide presence.
"We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Page(s) in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
If it's about boosting their worldwide presence, look at all the famous musicians and actors on here without the shortened 'number free' URL. Also Facebook is used worldwide, not just in the United States. And yet no Politician or Leader of any country around the world has their own 'number free' URL. Even in the US, no past or current PRESIDENT has a 'number free' URL. And yet 'US Presidential CANDIDATES' get one?
The Artists, Actors, Actresses I know would rather promote their MySpace pages as they have URLs that both they and their Fans will easily remember and intuitively find. Urls that are also more attractive to put on their own promotional materials. Shouting out a URL with long number at the end to a crowd of people??? They will likely not be able to retain it easily and have long since forgotten it when they get back to a computer.
My issue is that they have obviously began giving out 'number-free' URLs again selectively. My question is when will this be available to the rest of us? Maybe they paid Facebook to get them, I don't know? Whatever the process is to get one I'd just like to know what that is, so I can in turn pass that information to the Artists I know.
As to the 'personal playground' comment... Facebook is a BUSINESS, as such features like this (that they have provided before and continue to provide selectively now) can be given out to more individuals if they desire. It's all all about the demand for such things. And even after that, getting one might still be negotiated through other means.
My comments are expressing that the demand to get 'Number-Free' URLs does indeed exist. My argument is that providing these more user-friendly, promotable, and easily memorable URLs WOULD boost Facebook's worldwide presence.
Post #7
Mark wroteon August 23, 2008 at 12:11pm
Point well taken. Before it sounded like you were whining about facebook's favoritism, but now I think I understand you. And I agree. As much as I loathe the idea of facebook becoming the new myspace - that day has already come.
In short: I agree that it would be in facebook's best intrest to offer these 'number-free' urls to the masses - though it is my opinion that they are in no way required to give them out equily (at this point).
In short: I agree that it would be in facebook's best intrest to offer these 'number-free' urls to the masses - though it is my opinion that they are in no way required to give them out equily (at this point).
Post #8
Alex wroteon August 26, 2008 at 8:14pm
Perhaps what you could do is to have a pointer on your own domain, especially if you're very particular about having a simple and easy to remember URL.
For instance, I use http://www.thebackpackr.co
For instance, I use http://www.thebackpackr.co
Post #9
2 replies
Jonathan wroteon December 14, 2008 at 8:16pm
Still no update on this issue from the app creators... :-(
Post #10
Jon wroteon January 1, 2009 at 9:05pm
Really who gives a damn?
Post #11
Dave wroteon January 18, 2009 at 4:02pm
Is there a way to make my page viewable to friends who visit my profile?
http://www.facebook.com/pa
http://www.facebook.com/pa
Post #12
Dustin replied to Jonathan's poston January 23, 2009 at 11:31am
It's all about $$ man. They pay for it, its that simple. I tried to set one up for a business I work for and they said I could get one if I buy ads.
Post #13
Barbi wroteon February 23, 2009 at 9:09pm
I was just looking for a way for someone to view my fan page without having to log into facebook. After reading the posts here, I tried Alex thebackpackr.com's suggestion using
www.photosbybarbi.com/face
...AND IT WORKED...woohoo..however, it did not work when I copy & pasted the URL into an email. I was only able to view the link if I was logged in when I did that, and if I was logged out, it would initiate the login page.
Thanks Alex
Jonathan...I'm hoping this was what you were looking for, because I thought for sure when I was reading your posts that I was completely s**t out of luck to get a link to my fan page!
www.photosbybarbi.com/face
...AND IT WORKED...woohoo..however, it did not work when I copy & pasted the URL into an email. I was only able to view the link if I was logged in when I did that, and if I was logged out, it would initiate the login page.
Thanks Alex
Jonathan...I'm hoping this was what you were looking for, because I thought for sure when I was reading your posts that I was completely s**t out of luck to get a link to my fan page!
Post #14
1 reply
Barbi replied to Jonathan's poston February 23, 2009 at 9:11pm
See my other post on the discussion board. I figured for you to get notification of that post that I should have made my post in direct reply to you.
Post #15
1 reply
Jonathan replied to Barbi's poston February 23, 2009 at 9:29pm
Might be the only work around. I finally received an updated response from customer support. It read as follows:
Unfortunately we are not currently able to approve requests for vanity URLs. The only Pages that presently have vanity URLs are bands and businesses that have partnered with Facebook in the initial launch of this product or who are in a direct relationship with Facebook with a minimum commitment spend of $50K a month. We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Pages in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
Notice the money that's changing hands... Unfortunately, up and coming Page owners won't be able to enjoy Vanity URLs unless they win the lottery or something...lol
Unfortunately we are not currently able to approve requests for vanity URLs. The only Pages that presently have vanity URLs are bands and businesses that have partnered with Facebook in the initial launch of this product or who are in a direct relationship with Facebook with a minimum commitment spend of $50K a month. We hope to make these URLs available for everyone to have on their individual Pages in the future. When this feature is available, we will provide instructions on how to obtain a vanity URL at http://www.facebook.com/he
Notice the money that's changing hands... Unfortunately, up and coming Page owners won't be able to enjoy Vanity URLs unless they win the lottery or something...lol
Post #16
1 reply
Barbi replied to Jonathan's poston February 23, 2009 at 9:35pm
Maybe I'm lacking knowledge here...but what you're looking for is for your URL to be like this
www.facebook.com/yourFANPA
is that correct?
and is this what they are responding to you about?
If I'm correct in my understanding of what it is you're questioning them on, do you mind if I ask why settling for the other option (www.PAGENAMEHERE.com/face
www.facebook.com/yourFANPA
is that correct?
and is this what they are responding to you about?
If I'm correct in my understanding of what it is you're questioning them on, do you mind if I ask why settling for the other option (www.PAGENAMEHERE.com/face
Post #17
Jonathan replied to Barbi's poston February 23, 2009 at 9:46pm
If it's the only work around it will have to do.
The Artist whose Page I manage would just prefer that her Page be similar to her MySpace artist page. Where the artist page is a subdomain of the main Facebook site.
This is offered Free for MySpace Music pages, so I was kind of surprised to find that the same was not true here.
Oh well... In the meantime don't expect a URL with a funky string at the end of it to show up in any promotional material. So the potential traffic to Facebook if this was offered to everyone is lost. But with how much they are charging, perhaps financially it's worth it to them.
The Artist whose Page I manage would just prefer that her Page be similar to her MySpace artist page. Where the artist page is a subdomain of the main Facebook site.
This is offered Free for MySpace Music pages, so I was kind of surprised to find that the same was not true here.
Oh well... In the meantime don't expect a URL with a funky string at the end of it to show up in any promotional material. So the potential traffic to Facebook if this was offered to everyone is lost. But with how much they are charging, perhaps financially it's worth it to them.
Post #18
Barbi wroteon February 23, 2009 at 9:49pm
Well, even if you did use the long number ending URL, it still wouldn't allow the link to be direct, one still has to logon when using those URL's....however, the other way allows one to view the page without even being a facebook user.
Post #19
Patrick wroteon March 12, 2009 at 9:17am
Just to let you know, Mr.L, there are ALWAYS ways around certain problems that you might be having with certain apps. One man's 'laziness' is the next man's 'finder's fee'... Just a thought. Peace
Post #20
David wroteon March 27, 2009 at 12:45pm
Can anyone confirm if one of these vanity URLs is required to allow fans' sending a text message to become a fan
(as detailed here:
you can text to become a fan of select businesses, organizations, politicians, or official entities on Facebook! Go ahead, try this out by fanning our firm - Text fan theKbuzz to FBOOK (32665) to become a fan of ours on Facebook. (Replace "thekbuzz" with the name of another vanity url on a Facebook Fan Page / Public Profile such as Barack Obama to ask people to become fans of that public profile or business!)
Seems like the redirect option wouldn't work here...
(as detailed here:
you can text to become a fan of select businesses, organizations, politicians, or official entities on Facebook! Go ahead, try this out by fanning our firm - Text fan theKbuzz to FBOOK (32665) to become a fan of ours on Facebook. (Replace "thekbuzz" with the name of another vanity url on a Facebook Fan Page / Public Profile such as Barack Obama to ask people to become fans of that public profile or business!)
Seems like the redirect option wouldn't work here...
Post #21
Jan wroteon March 28, 2009 at 2:20am
You were lucky to even get a response on that topic.
I tried twice around october 2008.
I tried twice around october 2008.
Post #22
Joe wroteon May 7, 2009 at 8:02am
Any thoughts on the recent TV spots for Volkswagon and Vitamin Water that have called out their indexed Facebook urls /vw and /vitamin water?
Post #23
Mark wroteon June 5, 2009 at 2:35pm
so facebook isn't as cool as Flickr.
I got www.flickr.com/markwalker
but Facebook first wants money and celebs to get absolute URLs.... then the rest of us.
I got www.flickr.com/markwalker
but Facebook first wants money and celebs to get absolute URLs.... then the rest of us.
Post #24
Stephanie replied to Jonathan's poston June 8, 2009 at 10:32am
Of COURSE this is an issue people!!!!!! Jonathan-- I agree with you 100%. I do marketing and PR for a University and we are having this problem promoting our facebook pages in our printed materials. Twitter, on the other hand, makes this very easy and we automatically get a vanity URL when we create an account. Twitter has Facebook beat on this. We have been using sites like bit.ly for just a shortened url in promoting it online, because people can click right to it. But on paper it's just ugly and confusing (especially for non-tech savvy alumni, etc.) If someone has a solution, please help! We might have to use our actual website url and so it would be something like www.liu.edu/facebook. does anyone know how to go about doing that?
Post #25
Matt wroteon June 11, 2009 at 10:42am
can't get the facebook url you want or don't have 1,000 fans on your page? here's one way to do it on your own.
http://blog.studiomds.com/
http://blog.studiomds.com/
Post #26
Trudy wroteon June 12, 2009 at 9:16pm
I SET MINE UP AND NOW I CANNOT ACCESS MY PAGE. RIDICULOUS.
Post #27
Paul wroteon June 12, 2009 at 9:19pm
how can I set-up a vanity url on fb? It should be easy now...
Help
Help
Post #28
Steve wroteon June 12, 2009 at 10:07pm
Yeehaa - got mine www.facebook.com/hotspots - guess I have to start building up the pages - think I'll use Barack Obama's as an example :)
Post #29
Temitope wroteon June 13, 2009 at 2:01am
well, could not set one set up at all, I wonder why :(
Post #30
Absofknlutely wroteon June 13, 2009 at 9:40am
i cant set up mine on my biz account.. but i could on my personal..