Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Logging in just got easier

I always had a difficult time having to 'join' or log-in a blog or website just to make a comment.

Although I understand the logic, there have been many times, I've turned the page on a post on CNET (and numerous other sites).

While Disqus has made this a LOT easier, at least in many of the places I travel, the latest move to 'log-ins you may already have', is making it even easier.

The 'inspiration' for Alltop, Thomas Marban's PopUrls perhaps has the widest group I've seen yet (graphic above).  Friendfeed and many others are also implementing this easy way to log-in as well.

Keep in mind, that in some cases, your favorite blogger is paid by page views and the more comments, the more likely the piece will stay fresh and they're hard work rewarded (I don't know how they do it ...... but they do, and MANY are still very much around).

Perhaps the most significant example of what I call 'easy log-in' is the use of Facebook Connect by Digg.

Instead of having a network which includes a bunch of people you probably don't know, the recently implemented connection allows you to send an invite to your FB friends.  Result (at least for me and many, many others so far) .... an instant Digg network of people that you've been hanging with on Facebook and probably share your true interests.

Should you trust your password to others sites?

Despite steps taken by those offering the vehicle and / or the log-in, that decision is yours.  It's an open question how much 'real security' is in these pipes.

Reality dictates that if a hacker really wants you .... they're probably going to get you one way or another.

As opposed to a few short years ago, there's hardly anyone that's completely invisible on the web anymore.

I suppose it's a good time to remind those who haven't recently taken a look at their Facebook privacy settings.  Many changes have been made there and you now can be much more selective on what you share and what you don't.

.....and yes, I'm going to do it again. Wander over and check out Friendfeed (no I'm not on the payroll :).  While it's hard to make predictions in this crazy economic climate, it's my guess, you'll see Frieddfeed right along side Twitter and Facebook on blogs and websites in less than a year ... maybe two.

Update: August 3 - Since the piece was written both CNET and GigaOM have implemented Facebook  Connect comments.