Facebook Lite?

Facebook Lite? Fewer calories, less filling? What is this about? Generally speaking, with the exception of Lite Beer and diet soda, I consider the modifier "Lite" to be a pejorative. Kind of like the Cliff Notes experience vs. reading the original literature. Missing out on the experience in favor of a streamlined version. Don't get me wrong. I spent the better part of my formative years eating "frozen dietary confections," and even did the fat free thing in the early 90s. That was then. "The Skinny: How to Fit into Your Little Black Dress Forever" by Melissa Clark and Robin Aronson changed my life. I am all about LBD's, great food, and an occasional glass of Krug. What this means in real time? Moderation. No faux foods.

What does this have to do with FB Lite? If it ain't broke...

Facebook Lite is a streamlined version of FB designed originally for users in other countries with lower bandwith. Whatever that means.

According to Facebook, Lite could help attract new users. "We have found that people who are new to Facebook tend to be most interested in a simpler experience, and focus on establishing their network of friends and communicating with them by writing on their walls, sending messages, and looking at pictures. We have introduced the Lite site with these new users in mind," the company said in a statement. FB Lite users can post and share videos, photos and events, as well as exchange one-on-one messages.

I am guessing these new users might be senior citizens or people slow to adapt. The kind who use a Go Phone or are Text-phobic. I support any development in communication which brings the outside world to homebound senior and even those who are out and about. "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" brings tears to my eyes, evocative of the Native American in headdress from those cheesy environmental PSA's of my youth. My own grandmother used Web TV to e-mail and surf the web in her 90s. And J-Date and similar sites are like the fern bars of the 70s.

That said, I'll be shelving FB Lite like I do lite Mayo, light butter, fat free half and half.... Or as Julia used to say, "If you're afraid of butter, just use cream!"