Yes, Your Facebook Profile Boxes Are Gone

While Facebook previously announced to developers that application profile boxes would no longer be allowed, many users were taken off guard as application boxes began disappearing from their profiles yesterday afternoon. While the volume of complaints was not that extreme, many users continued to complain and demand that Facebook return the boxes. While we’re not quite sure how many users were interacting with application boxes, it’s safe to say that millions of users had them installed on their profile.

Many Facebook users were disappointed simply because they had no notification that the boxes would be removed. Whether it was Causes, used to show how much they had raised for a specific issue, or another profile box that users were installing to express themselves, applications will now be limited to profile tabs. It’s not the most dramatic change that we’ve set yet, however this combined with the removal of the publisher for applications should definitely have a measurable impact on developers.

Are you disappointed that the profile boxes are gone or were they just an annoyance?

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1561382 Comments2010-07-13+14%3A41%3A53Nick+O%27Neill »

I think it sucks. Boxes provided a nice way to put some things on the front screen of your profile. Now people will have to go through all your tabs… which means more ad impressions. I suspect that's the real reason for the change.

Comment by Michael — July 13, 2010 @ 6:46 am
They were annoying.

Comment by Kaitlyn — July 13, 2010 @ 6:51 am
"Disappointed" is not a strong enough word for how I feel about it…DISGUSTED is getting closer!!! I'm fed up with Facebook doing what it wants as long as DEVELOPERS are happy!!! What about the people that actually USE Facebook?? I had things in those boxes that I referred to on a daily basis, I had songs saved that had special meaning to me, I had notes & links saved for the same reason. And they just get wiped out as if they're nothing to the people who had them on their profile for a reason.

There actually isn't a strong enough word that can be used, but "disappointed" is too lame and weak…just like Facebook is becoming!

Comment by Facebook User — July 13, 2010 @ 6:59 am
I am disappointed that they are gone. It was a fun way to express one's personality!!

Bring them back, or at least give a rational explanation!!

Comment by Anna Sheffield — July 13, 2010 @ 7:01 am
@July 13th, 2010 at 10:59 am:

I agree with you. I'm also beyond disappointed and mad. It's just so unfair. I also had stuff in my boxes that I used every day and now everything's just gone.

Comment by Zineta Emini — July 13, 2010 @ 7:06 am
I agree. I didnt get any notification and I used my boxes everytime i logged in. Its part of personalizing your profile, and now fb is telling me how my profile can or cant look. its messed up and i hate it!

Comment by gabriella jones — July 13, 2010 @ 7:10 am
This is just total bullshit, since FB doesn't need that space that I can see.

Comment by Gary Minich — July 13, 2010 @ 7:11 am
I want my doorbell back, please, along with my favorite cause, Autism. It used to appear on the left-hand side of my Profile Wall. I really enjoyed having these applications and causes listed. Why would you offer them and then take them away without notice or consent? This is no way to treat your followers who value the services that Facebook provides.

I would appreciate an explanation and prior approval before you remove anything else from my Wall, like friends, comments, gifts, causes, applications, and requests. Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter. Sincerely, Susan L. Bates

Comment by Susan L. Bates — July 13, 2010 @ 7:11 am
profile boxes were the only way to personalize our page. i am so tired of zucker trying to mold us all into clones.

Comment by c — July 13, 2010 @ 7:12 am
That's not the only thing that is gone, any images of the American, Israeli, Gadsden flags have been removed also. As an American THIS is outrageous and many members are angry. There are accounts with questionable content and images and these are left in fine, but images of flags are removed? SHAME ON YOU FB! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO REMOVE FLAGS FROM PEOPLE'S ACCOUNTS. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR PATRIOTISM. IF THE AMERICAN FLAG OFFENDS YOU, FB CAN GET THE HELL OUT OF AMERICA!

Comment by Natalie Katz — July 13, 2010 @ 7:12 am
I had a creative commons licencing box on my profile. I'm peeeved thats gone…

I think Facebook is playing with us. Seeing how many dramatic changes (good or bad) and PRIVACY blips they can make before users actually do leave… Quitfacebook day springs to mind…

i'm a social strategist, it will defo have an affect me and my clients… Boooo Facebook

Comment by Phill Ohren — July 13, 2010 @ 7:13 am
Thanks alot for being the big brother I never asked for. I had a background for Breast Cancer Awareness. GONE! Who makes up these rule? I guess I will have to do what every American has to do now a day, follow the money. We are a nation that can no longer take anything at face value.

Facebook is an excellent idea that is being chopped away by the ever growing censors of somebodies elses opinion of what is right or wrong.

Please don't continue down this road to madness. Unless of course your intention is to hurt your business.

Sincerely,

Susan Ross

Comment by Susan — July 13, 2010 @ 7:17 am
Very disappointed. I had a Susan G. Komen 3 Day Widget box that I used regularly. My friends and family used it regularly to keep up with my fundraising. Susan G. Komen made a widget specifically for FaceBook and now it's gone?!?!?! Maybe SGK should remove all FaceBook links on their site?

Comment by Jamie Hodges — July 13, 2010 @ 7:19 am
You have no right to remove flags and other images from my page. I am very angry that you did not notify us. You have become the Gestapo.

Comment by Mare — July 13, 2010 @ 7:20 am
This is crap!! I want that stuff back on my wall damn it!!! I feel bare without it, come on fb wtf are you trying to do make us leave!!! I agree with Phill, a quitfacebook day seems like something to do!!!

Comment by Holly — July 13, 2010 @ 7:24 am
IM VERY UPSET THE BOXES ARE GONE!! I HAD MY WEDDING COUNT DOWN AND WEBISITE LINK!!!!!!!!!!! BRING THEM BACK!!!

Comment by Jennifer Williams — July 13, 2010 @ 7:36 am
What a stupid ass move on the part of facebook. Yep, this move is enough for me. Starting today to look for another site to hangout on.

Comment by chilly — July 13, 2010 @ 7:36 am
I am soooo angry with this change. All the other stupid changes I got over – but this pushed me over the edge! I enjoyed visiting my friends profiles and learning about them thru their boxes! Showed their personalities! And I want my damn doorbell back! And my featured cause! Things that were important to me that I used on a daily basis! I had 13,345 rings now just poofed! It's all plain now, why are they doing this to us, idiots!!!!

Comment by Kelsy — July 13, 2010 @ 7:37 am
What the hell? WHY??? Is it just a 'god complex' or is there an issue with the volume? Whatever the case, the VERY LEAST you could have done was put out a mass mail explaining WHY and BEFORE you just remove people's stuff.

This is ridiculous!

Comment by Sioux — July 13, 2010 @ 7:39 am
Disappointed? No. They were just clutter.

Comment by Sean Turvey — July 13, 2010 @ 7:41 am
Am I pissed? You better believe I am. This is just crap. They've become a bunch of bullies. If it wasn't for a handful of games and my dear friends, I'd quit the whole thing.

Comment by JoJo — July 13, 2010 @ 7:48 am
The boxes allow personalization to an already impersonal form of communication. PUT THEM BACK!!!

Comment by Theresa Martens — July 13, 2010 @ 7:49 am
Was this a technology decision or a political one?

Comment by Karen Adolphus — July 13, 2010 @ 7:53 am
>:( I want them back, they were expressions of my personality, who I am and what I stand for! As well as give a little character to my wall! GIVE THEM BACK!

Comment by Wendy Kirpanos — July 13, 2010 @ 7:54 am
Now, this change has only affected personal profiles at the moment…right?

Is this change eventually going to wreak havoc on Pages as well?

Comment by Shannon — July 13, 2010 @ 8:01 am
How rude? Didn't your mother ever tell you about manners. I don't remember you asking me if I wanted this removed. You need to put it back where you found it and ask first.Asshole!!!

Comment by Susan Routhier — July 13, 2010 @ 8:14 am
Just wonder WHY? What´s next to come?

Comment by Maria — July 13, 2010 @ 8:18 am
All this is a controlling factor, want everyone to be the same, don't want to offend anyone. What is up with the flag thing!! The only people that see my profile page are my family and my FB friend and if they have a problem with something I have up on my profile page that came through one of FB apps. Then they need to X-me off their friend list. FB needs to grow a pair and not coward down to the Powers That BE. You have us all sounding like a bunch conspiracy nuts! I was upset about the boxes I enjoy them but this whole flag thing sounds that there are other things at work here. If the boxes were causing a problem I don't see how my profile page was the only thing that never gave me a problem unlike the rest of the pages on FB. If there was a problem you need to fix it and let people have some form of expression back beside those stupid tabs buttons.

Comment by oopsie worth — July 13, 2010 @ 8:30 am
Thank you for putting our boxes back! I was lost without them.

Comment by Diann — July 13, 2010 @ 8:36 am
Can ya please just leave well enough alone? Thanks

Comment by KC — July 13, 2010 @ 8:37 am
OMG! They are back!!!

Comment by oopsie worth — July 13, 2010 @ 8:40 am
Mine just came back!!! I hope it's for good!!!!!

Comment by Kelsy — July 13, 2010 @ 8:43 am
Dear Facebook, we need boxes, so we can put things in the box, like Jack in the box, a banana in the box, or a monkey in the box.

We don't need tabs, or else we finally will lock the box with Facebook in it.

Comment by Pol Sun — July 13, 2010 @ 8:44 am
Thanks FB for returning the boxes now do something about that flag mess you got going on!

Comment by oopsie worth — July 13, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Censoring FB? Wow I'll quit altogether! You are gonna lose a lot of money FB!!! Serves you right!

Comment by lucindaeaton — July 13, 2010 @ 8:50 am
This totally blows! Bring back my flags now! I have every right to demonstrate my patriotism for America and my support for Israel. I loved seeing my Hebrew name and the boxes helped me readily identify people who I wanted to friend or not. How dare you remove them without our consent you God hating tyrannical fascists!

Comment by Dena Leichnitz — July 13, 2010 @ 9:03 am
A product should give MORE features – not less. If you wish to go the way of other social communications, continue penalizing users for individualizing their sites.

The boxes are a great feature and one that many enjoy. There should be more flexibility with the boxes – not less.

If your programmers cannot keep up with the demands of a growing community – that is YOUR issue not the issue of the customers. Hire more programmers.

You definitely are not making friends when you remove popular places, flags and other patriotic emblems. Instead, you play into a realm of censorship, which makes you an undesireable product – meaning people will leave as soon as they can.

Rather than building this community – you will run them off.

Your loss of revenue.

Comment by Dana — July 13, 2010 @ 9:05 am
Even if they were just clutter they are on our site if you don't like it don't go to our sites! Yes fb needs to return them and next time they need to notify us that they are makes these changes since they are our pages. It states right there on the sign in page that it's free and always will be so why don't you live up to that and keep it 'free'!!!!!!

Comment by Deborah — July 13, 2010 @ 9:10 am
I'm upset because I don't want be a CLONE like everyone else. It's so bland.

Comment by courtney — July 13, 2010 @ 9:28 am
Aww thank you kindly ! I just went to my page and seen my boxes were back, that was a nice thing for you to do, now see isn't being kind alot better ?

*smiles*

Comment by Karen Silin — July 13, 2010 @ 9:30 am
I don't think this it is right to remove the boxes, we've had these since the beginning and they should remain as "ours".

Although I see they are back I would truly appreciate if they stayed that way. Thanks =O}

Comment by Rhonda — July 13, 2010 @ 9:41 am
I never used it, so it's no loss to me.

Comment by Facebook User — July 13, 2010 @ 9:44 am
Natalie Katz, your american fanatism about flag is one big disease.

Comment by insanelyapple — July 13, 2010 @ 9:51 am
So, I guess this is more limitations on freedom of speech? Many people have profile badges and means of self expression, or interests for their passions posted there. Did the Anointed one complain? Are you in his back pocket? Give me a break here. Everywhere there are so many things in this once free Country that are an absolute outrage. You have to add to it. What a complete sham. Keep up the great work there FB. You'll find yourselves having to compete with another that isn't so damned blatantly anti freedom.

Comment by William T Miller III — July 13, 2010 @ 10:02 am
If you want more space, how about eliminating all the suggested friends and advertising, from the right side of our page?! That is what's annoying!

Comment by shauna petersen — July 13, 2010 @ 11:13 am
Shauna Your completely correct!!

Comment by Lynn Morton — July 13, 2010 @ 11:43 am
What happened to the 1st Amendment? Freedom of speech, press. FB this is wrong and you know it!!! Evidently, you are a group of "I just won't say it"

Comment by Doug — July 13, 2010 @ 11:58 am
I just got my boxes back and am happy! hope it last.

Comment by gabriella jones — July 13, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
Very upset with you facebook for always changing things. I am seriously considering going back to MYSPACE!

Comment by Debbie — July 13, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
I would rather they have removed those annoying sidebar ads to a profile tab, then we at least have the option of choosing not to view them!

Bring back the profile boxes FB. Yet another un-explained or un-explainable decision made without any real consultation with the users.

So much for being a site for the people.

Comment by Charlotte — July 13, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
I was very upset about this, too. I'm glad I'm not the only one. Well, I'm happy the boxes are back (for now, at least).

.:IF YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE GETTING SOME OF YOUR BOXES BACK:.

Go into your application settings.

Scroll down to the applications that you previously had as boxes on the left side of your wall.

Click "Edit Settings."

If it says "Box: Available," click "add" just to the right of that. This'll place that box in your "Boxes" tab.

Go to your "Boxes" tab and find that box.

Click on the little pencil to edit the box, and move it to your wall tab.

So don't fret for those of you who had things like Profile Song and Bumper Sticker, and those boxes didn't come back (or at least mine didn't at first until I did the above steps).

Comment by GeekInthePink — July 13, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
Nothing has happened with my page :S

Comment by Christie — July 13, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
Why have all the boxes been removed from the left side of my profile, all my photo's are gone and all the other tabs that was quick access for me if you must remove anything get rid of the advertisement on the right hand site that is the side that is annoying…….i lost songs everything without warning not fair…………. i am upset to think how many people that use face you did this without warning and if we didnt want them there we could delete them ourselves not by your hand, i thought we had the right to choose what we would like on our profile but apparently not..:-(

Comment by Lyn Mac — July 13, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Yeah….all my boxes on the left side of my profile disappeared yesterday & has re-appeared again & i have lost some of my friends in my friend list also ….What's happening………Hare Krishna !!!

Comment by james — July 13, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Why did all of the information I typed in my PROFILE disappear only to be replaced by my "pages"? Although I "like" many of them, they don't define me!! UGH! I want my text – which I typed to describe me – BACK.

Comment by Althe Allen — July 13, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
And you wonder why people are leaving FB? Instead of being about the users, it's about the developers. Well, they may be the last ones standing when everyone else is gone. This move is a major FAIL!

Comment by Edie — July 14, 2010 @ 9:41 am
Facebook is only doing what obamo instructed them to do. Doesn't anyone get it yet??? VOTE THE DEMS OUT IN NOVEMBER.

Comment by beckw — July 14, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
Well I guess facebook want to clean up the user profile so that they can introduce new location based features. If you have lot of information on one page, you can't use it effectively. So i guess this is the reason facebook discontinue some of the features.

As a developer I think there is a huge advantage because every change will come up with some new opportunities… so wait and watch…

Comment by Aris — July 15, 2010 @ 5:03 am
How do i can get my boxes back after i moved it?,please short answer.

Comment by Yoya Kassem — July 16, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
I WANT MY BOXES BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WANT MY FLAIR AND MY BUMPER STICKER BOXES BACK !!!!!!!!!!! AAGGGHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Susi Hipp Provost — July 20, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
This is what i last questioned through minekey app. Now it's all answered through the above note

Comment by Dian Puspita Sari — July 22, 2010 @ 2:02 am
Causes boxes are so helpful for raising awareness about poverty, sicness, aids, etc. Is face books own agenda really more important than caring and helping charities? That's a sad day.

Comment by Randy — July 24, 2010 @ 7:06 pm
I'm not just dissapointed. I'm pissed. I have been trying to figure out how to bring back my Bumper Sticker box and was getting truly frustrated when I couldn't. The least Facebook could have done was sent out a notification. The least they could still do is bring them back. Was there even a reason behind removing them?

Comment by Kat — July 25, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
NAZIS!

THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED ANYONE OF THIS UPCOMING CHANGE! DUMP THE BLAME ON ALL APPLICATION DEVELOPERS!

UNFAIR, FUCK FACEBOOK UP THE ANAL, AND BY THAT I MEAN ZACK ZUCKERBURGER!

Comment by fuckfacebook — July 26, 2010 @ 8:41 am
??

Comment by Hi Frank — August 1, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
Developers were not the cause of this change. If anything, developers are more aggravated and unsettled by this update, and others. Fb's frequent and inconsistent updates break hundreds of applications, depreciate even more, and drive us devs f*rking crazy.

http://forum.developers.facebook.net/viewtopic.ph...

Comment by John — August 23, 2010 @ 9:40 am
Who ever had the bright idea to change the boxes must have been obama's adviser..It makes no sense.My doorbell box is gone and i can't get it back..Maybe one of your guru's can put it back

Comment by Olin Hadden — August 25, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
It is disappointing. I do not understand why Facebook is so compelled on removing the boxes.

Comment by Lisseth Kefgen — August 26, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
This is so ridiculous. Why remove them? Getting more and more disgusted with Facebook. Changing things that we use and make Facebook worthwhile. No consult, they just do it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Comment by Tina — August 27, 2010 @ 6:31 am
PLEASE LEAVE THE PROFILE BOXES OPTIONS!!! I LIKE HAVING THE COUNTDOWN TO MY WEDDING FOR EVERYONE TO SEE. "BOOKMARKING" THAT APPLICATION DOES NOTHING! MY FRIENDS CAN'T SEE MY COUNTDOWN ANYMORE…NOT FAIR!!!

Comment by Kari — August 27, 2010 @ 10:36 am
This really pisses me off!My page is saying these will be removed.What differencedoes this make to facebook? The weird thing is none of my other fb friends are seeing the same notice all their stuff is still there on the left side of the wall!! I just don't understand. This is our way of personalizing our pages!!!!Also when I go to preview my profile as if I were a friend they don't show at all yet I can still see all my friends and they say they aren't having this issue, although it is the exact same things;ie profile song, bumper sticker etc…This madness and I don't think we should have to stand for it!!!

Comment by wendy izdepski — August 28, 2010 @ 12:07 am
Facebook is really messing things up lately.. As to why they would want to remove these boxes I think I got an idea of what's going on. Let's make a bet that in the future there will be ADS on our profiles where the boxes used to be. You can buy this 'adspace' to advertise something..

Sometimes we forget that there's a lot more going on than just 'oh it's Facebook'. Never wonder why it is free?

Comment by Marco — September 8, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Looks like lots of People disgustited —– well I am 1 of those
I think this was a bad step

Comment by Charles Wolk — November 10, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
You must be a Right Winger

Comment by Joe the Patriot — November 11, 2010 @ 2:00 am
except now the tabs are gone, too. My bumper sticker tabs are gone. 100 carefully picked and received bumper stickers- GONE.

Comment by HPFan — November 14, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
and has anyone noticed that there is no Feedback link on facebook?

Comment by HPFan — November 14, 2010 @ 10:07 pm
i was wondering the same thing!!!!!!

Comment by Rosie — December 19, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
i am very dissappointed with the change in >FB<…..who ever thought this was an improvement was wrong….since the change i do not see as much activity as i use to….and as far as not posting comments on other pages (i was told in your answers to check other peoples profiles every day to see what they said)…ya rite>>>who ever thought of that is SMART!!!!!!..OH WELL I GUESS ….IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!…

Comment by rosie — December 19, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
I WANT MY BOXES BACK!

Comment by Ella — January 21, 2011 @ 12:45 am
Can't link, post video, nothing. Thanks FB.

Comment by Daphne Sylk — August 31, 2011 @ 3:02 pm
I appreciate this information and I had songs saved that had special meaning to me, I had notes & links saved for the same reason. And they just get wiped out as if they're nothing to the people who had them on their profile for a reason.

Comment by Facebook App — December 20, 2011 @ 1:33 am
I enjoyed visiting my friends profiles and learning about them thru their boxes! Showed their personalities! And I want my damn doorbell back! And my featured cause!

Comment by Facebook App — December 20, 2011 @ 1:43 am