Media Matt

Facebook announced the forthcoming availability of usernames for user profiles and Facebook Pages beginning at 12:01am EDT Saturday, June 13, 2009. Now you can have a personalized URL for your Page (facebook.com/yourname).

Read the Facebook blog to learn all the details:
http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=90316352130

Below is an FAQ specifically for Page administrators on the new process and how to obtain a username for your Page.

How can I secure a Username for my Page?
If you are an administrator of a Facebook Page, you will be able to choose your username just like a user selecting a username for their profile. Go to http:/www.facebook.com/username at 12:01am EDT on Saturday, June 13 and you will be prompted to choose a username for the Page you administer.

I tried to secure a name for my Page but Facebook said the Page was not eligible. What are the requirements?
Your Facebook Page must meet two requirements: it must be live on Facebook prior to the May 31, 2009 cut-off date and have a minimum 1,000 fans as of May 31, 2009.

I am an administrator for multiple Pages on Facebook, how can I secure a Username for each of them?
If you are an administrator of a Page, you will be able to choose a username for each Page at http://www.facebook.com/username beginning at 12:01am EDT on Saturday, June 13. There will be an interface for you to choose usernames for the Facebook Pages you administer.

Why should I register a username for my Facebook Page?
Usernames allow public entities to easily promote your presence on Facebook with a short URL (http://www.facebook.com/yourname). This username can be used in your marketing communications, company website and business cards.

What are the guidelines around creating a username for Facebook Pages?
Usernames were created to make it easier for Facebook users to identify their profile and share with others. As a public figure, business or brand with a Page on Facebook, your username should be straightforward and easy to remember. Facebook encourages you to consider the following when creating a username for Pages:

• Create a username that is as close as possible to your public figure or business name (e.g. AshtonKutcher, PizzaHut).
• If you own the rights to a given name, make it your username so that others cannot obtain it.
• Usernames can only contain alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) or a period (”.”).
• Choose a username you will be happy with for the long term. Usernames are not transferable.
• Your username must adhere to Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.

I accidentally selected the wrong/misspelled username for my Facebook Page. Can I revise it?
No. Once you have claimed a username by clicking the “Set Username” button, it is not possible to edit it, or to transfer your username to a different account on Facebook. Additionally, when an account is removed from the site, its username will not be made available to other users for security reasons.

Can I have more than one username for a Facebook Page?
No. Only one username is allowed per Page.

What should I do if someone’s username infringes my rights?
If you wish to report that someone’s username infringes your rights, please fill out our automated IP infringement form. The form is located at http://www.facebook.com/copyright.php?noncopyright_notice=1

I am an authorized representative for a public figure, brand or business and/or hold the rights to a trademark name. My username was claimed by another user. What can I do?
If you wish to report that someone’s username infringes your rights, please fill out our automated IP infringement form: http://www.facebook.com/copyright.php?noncopyright_notice=1

I would like to prevent individuals from registering a username that is associated with a trademark that I own.
To prevent the registration of a username that infringes your trademark, please go here: http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=username_rights

What is the process to request removal of an unauthorized Page of a public figure, brand or business?
If you wish to report that someone’s username infringes your rights, all you need to do is fill out our automated IP infringement form: http://www.facebook.com/copyright.php?noncopyright_notice=1

Will usernames such as “flowers” or “pizza” ever be available for Facebook Pages? Can I sign up on a waiting list?
At this time, generic words are not available as usernames. Facebook encourages all users and Page administrators to create a username that closely matches the true identity of their name or business.

For additional questions, visit the usernames Help page at http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=896

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