[Sly Fox]

Feb. 10, 2008, 10:55PM
Want to close the chapter on Facebook? Think again

By MARIA ASPAN
New York Times

Are you a member of Facebook.com? You may have a lifetime contract.

Some users have discovered that it is nearly impossible to remove themselves entirely from Facebook, setting off a fresh round of concern over the popular social network's use of personal data.

While the Web site offers users the option to deactivate their accounts, Facebook servers keep copies of the information in those accounts indefinitely. Indeed, many users who have contacted Facebook to request that their accounts be deleted have not succeeded in erasing their records from the network.

"It's like the Hotel California," said Nipon Das, 34, a director at a biotechnology consulting firm in Manhattan, who tried unsuccessfully to delete his account. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

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Young pups on here are stil trying to figure out where the Hotel California is located.

Seriously, be careful what info you put up on Facebook and Myspace. It is now standard practice for HR departments to immediately check both sites when you apply for a job.

[thepostman]

if other young guys on here don't know about Hotel California is I just shake my head at them...

with that said...facebook is ridiculous these days....I don't even know why I still have one....

[LUconn]

because you like to stalk people you used to know.

[kel varson]

Uh oh.

[kel varson]

if other young guys on here don't know about Hotel California is I just shake my head at them...

with that said...facebook is ridiculous these days....I don't even know why I still have one....

It is ridiculous, but for those who use it everyday to communicate with people, it becomes addictive. I know what you're saying though, all the applications etc...really annoying. I think eventually people will either figure out how dumb it is to put personal information and embarrasing photographs on facebook.

[thesportscritic]

thats why you make your profile private to your friends only. if you don't want the whole world to see your profile.

[RubberMallet]

i have the best profile picture on facebook....i joined to find my wandering friend who likes to take trips to egypt for no dang reason and not be heard from for months at a time....because of fantasy football..

i have like 14 friend requests right now which is baffling because i'm really not that enjoyable to be around...which is probably evident by the fact that some are a couple of months old and i know they are toiling with the fact they are in friend limbo with me...

[cheerbren]

I use it to keep in contact with the youth group as kids won't answer the phone but will respond on Facebook. I am a secretary for the youth pastor at my church and this is one of the only ways we can stay connected.

[kel varson]

thats why you make your profile private to your friends only. if you don't want the whole world to see your profile.

Yes, but I have a feeling if someone wants to see your page, there is a way to do it. i.e. background checks etc..

[mrmacphisto]

Facebook keeps your information after you leave because it's much easier and more efficient than moving it over to a CIA server.

[Cider Jim]

"It's like the Hotel California," said Nipon Das, 34, a director at a biotechnology consulting firm in Manhattan, who tried unsuccessfully to delete his account. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

Nice Eagles reference.