The Complete Idiot's Guide to Facebook [Paperback]

Joe Kraynak (Author), Mikal E. Belicove (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 6, 2010 | Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide

A definite 'add' to any Facebook user's library.

Facebook is not as user-friendly as the service would like people to think. As a result, it leaves many users scratching their heads over even the most fundamental features. The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Facebook gets readers registered and touring Facebook in the very first chapter and never lets up as it reveals the features that have made Facebook the number one social networking platform.

?Protecting profiles, tracking down friends and family, status updates, e-mail, chat, sharing, invites, and interest groups

?Using Facebook for personal branding, marketing a business, product, service, or nonprofit, or promoting a worthy cause

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

This listing is for the first edition. You'll probably want to buy the Second Edition.

About the Author

Mikal E. Belicove is an Entrepreneur magazine contributing writer, Forbes Magazine contributing blogger, and a business strategist specializing in market analysis and messaging/positioning for a select group of individuals and businesses. Joe Kraynak has taught hundreds of thousands of new computer users how to make the most of their PCs with his easy-to-read books. Joe has been writing and editing successful computer books for consumers for over twelve years. His long list of computer books includes The Complete Idiot's Guide to PCs, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Office 2000, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Upgrading Your PC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (July 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1615640363
• ISBN-13: 978-1615640362
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Quickest Way To Get Up-To-Speed on Facebook July 18, 2010

By Howard Wimer, Author of Inner Guidance and The Four Spiritual Gifts

Format:Paperback

After reading Mikal and Joe's new book, I now know how Facebook works! For some people such as myself, in the upper 50's age bracket, getting a grasp on social media can be a bit overwhelming and out of reach. But after reading this book (it only took an afternoon!), I discovered that I wasn't the "idiot" that I thought I was. But isn't this the purpose of the book? It accomplished it's mission for me and now I am getting more Friends Requests that I ever thought possible and am connecting with people I haven't seen or worked with for 30 years! They saw me on Facebook :-)

Again, this is a fun and informative (and simple) approach to giving everyone an opportunity to join the new millenium and not feel as if they have to get a Master's Degree in computer technology. If you can find the "on" button on your computer, you can do this.

I also found that the "Netiquettes", the "Pokes", the "Whoas!" and the "Friend-ly Advice" comments were perfect to help me see how to interact effectively with all of my new "friends." Speaking of that, I also realized that I don't have to accept just "anybody." I can be choosey and at the same time, make sure I don't leave anyone out.

My focus is to do what I do best...and the authors have made sure that I don't have to spend all of my valuable time trying to figure out what button to push next just to communicate with people that I know from around the world and see what's on their mind.

I recommend this book 100%.

Howard Wimer, Author of Inner Guidance and the Four Spiritual Gifts (Inner Guidance and the Four Spiritual Gifts) and Founder of Inner Expansion Workshops (www.innerexpansion.com)

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Made me get serious about Facebook September 23, 2010

By Steve Lindhorst

Format:Paperback

After reading it, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn everything Facebook - whether you're a newbie - or a seasoned entrepreneur. If you appreciate clear instruction, in plain-English, this book is going to help you. One thing that I especially appreciated about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Facebook is that it's not just a regurgitated "How to" guide. It explains the principles behind the various features - so when the Facebook makes changes, you'll still understand what you're doing.

What if you already have experience with Facebook? Well, I do - and I learned there was a lot of features I haven't been using. Features that can improve my business. I've always "poo-poo'ed" the idea of the special page for my business, but, well - I'll be building one this weekend.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Out of date February 16, 2011

By J. Gray

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The big issue with this book is that Facebook has changed its interface since publication. On page after page you find instructions to click on links that simply don't exist. For example, on page 57 it says to click Options (just above your Wall). The problem is that there is no options link anywhere on the page. I have been able to figure out how to do everything using Facebook's help system, but the book itself has been of minimal value. The book does make a point of saying that Facebook changes and that you can look at the facebookidiot website for updates, but I did not find answers to the questions I had one the book's website. In fact, I would say that the book's website is completely worthless. This book was probably very good right when it was released, but unfortunately, due to significant changes in the Facebook user interface, its usefulness is limited and with each change made by Facebook, the problem gets worse.