Ready or not here comes Facebook’s Timeline !

Timeline is coming to our The Tiniest Tiger Facebook page! According to Facebook, on March 30, 2012 all Pages on Facebook will be converted to the new Timeline design.  Many of you have expressed concerns and even frustration over  the new Timeline.  I know we Cats are creatures of habit,  but I thought if we were prepared for Timeline we might even embrace the changes. I put together a list of some of the changes with screen shots so that we can get ready. No fat tails and hissing please.  We are in this together.

10 Timeline Tips from The Tiniest Tiger

1) The way we post a status update will remain the same.

We can still add photos and links.  If you want to share a link, simply type the URL into the comment box.

When you type in the URL , using http://conservationcubclub.com as an example, in the comment box the link will show up below the text in the status update.

2) Tabs are located at the top of the Page in Timeline.

There are 3 optional tabs plus Photos showing at all times. The 3 tabs will be just to the right of the Photos.  Tabs are now customizable for Pages with thumbnail images making the tabs easier to find.  Pages can have up to 12 Tabs (including Photos), with 4 displayed and 8 hidden.  To see all the Tabs, including the 8 hidden simply click on down arrow to the right of the Tabs.

3) To close the Tab section, simply click on the up arrow to the right of the Tabs.

So easy, a canine companion could master this move.

4) Tab images are customizable in Timeline.

The Tab thumbnails are 111 x 74 px and enable unique images to show what the Tab is all about.  As you can see in the image above, I have customized some Tabs already and some I have not yet customized.  I think this will be easier for you to find information.  Pages can change the order of the Custom Tabs anytime to keep all the latest news readily available.

5) Posts can be Pinned to the Top.

This is a welcome feature because sometimes we have an extra important post to share with you that we would like to remain “sticky”, meaning  that is always remains at the top of the feed. In Timeline, Pages can pin a post to the top of the Wall for 7 days.   Super Hurrah!

This is another way to draw special attention to a particular post. A Page must choose whether to Highlight or Pin a post. A post can’t be both highlighted and pinned to the top.

7) The “masthead” of the Page has been replaced with a floating navigation bar.

Now when you scroll down “below the fold”, the navigation bar remains at the top of the screen as you scroll down. This floating navigation bar makes is easier for you to sort posts, see custom tabs and more.

The latest posts from our Friends will be located in the right column. Even though only a few posts by Friends show up in the box, there is an option to click on See All so that you don’t miss anything.  This is super important for our The Tiniest Tiger community!

This enables all kinds of creativity in our images. There is no advertising or promoting allowed on the cover photo so this space is reserved for beautiful photos. There is also a smaller profile picture nested into the Cover Photo. This profile picture is displayed at 125 x 125px and serves as the thumbnail for the posts by the Page.

Super Hurrah! This might be my favorite new feature. Often times, friends are not certain how to reach me and now it will be super easy. On The Tiniest Tiger Page, click the “Message” button below the Cover Photo to write and send your message.

I hope my 10 Timeline Tips help you to navigate through the upcoming Facebook changes.

The most important thing is that we stay united as a community.  Now that we have an outline of the changes, even the most stubborn among us cats, like Lazy Leopard might decide that Timeline is really going to be ok. And who knows, we might even like it better.

Do you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming Timeline change?

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