The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: Opinions

Facebook forever

New York Times reports total deletion of profiles, information 'impossible'

Facebook users have been warned repeatedly that employers use the social networking Web site to research potential employees and that private information should not be listed. Now there is a new warning:

Like the saved, Facebook profiles have eternal life.

The New York Times reported it is impossible to completely delete one's Facebook profile.

Users are able to deactivate their accounts temporarily. But in small grayed print, the deactivation page reads, "Note: Even after you deactivate, your friends can still invite you to events, tag you in photos, or ask you to join groups."

Profile information remains available for others to see.

One Manhattan man told The New York Times it took two months, dozens of e-mails and the threat of legal action before Facebook techies "deleted" his account.

But the reporter wrote The Times still was able to track down the man's empty profile and send him a message.

Information deleted from one's account also is saved in Facebook archives.

Do you really want your grandchildren to be able to read your drunken wall posts and pictures of your downtown escapades years from now?

Here's our warning to be careful what you post and tag. It could come back to haunt you.

- Juanita Cousins for the editorial board

Honors for Dooley

Univ. may pay homage to legendary coach with sports complex, new statue

The University approved Monday a proposal to name the southwestern sports complex after former athletic director and head football coach Vince Dooley. A statue also will be erected in his honor. The Board of Regents is expected to vote on this measure during meetings this week.

Perhaps this is University President Michael Adams' way of making up for not renewing Dooley's contract as athletic director in 2004. Adams has been under fire by the Bulldog Nation for his unpopular decision ever since.

Honoring Dooley's 40 years of service to the University in such a way is fitting, but we wonder if people actually will refer to the area as the "Dooley Complex." Each building already has its own name, and we hope the accolade does not become superfluous.

During Dooley's tenure at the University, his football teams won six Southeastern Conference championships and one national championship. Bulldog teams won 65 SEC titles and 17 national championships while he was athletic director.

We at The Red & Black feel this could be a good omen for the football team - after all, Dooley was the last football coach to win a national championship.

Hopes are high for the 2008 season, and perhaps the Dooley name will work its magic once again, but this time for Moreno, Stafford and co.

- Shannon Otto for the editorial board

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