Given the stats of Facebook usage that you have undoubtedly heard, I believe you have all heard this announcement here:

The Countdown

Reading the comments on the Facebook blog on this topic, it would appear that the response to this is rather negative as opposed to positive. While there may be some justification if any, to this reaction, that is a topic for another day. My aim here is to assist you with grabbing a piece of your own virtual real estate.

What is a Facebook Username anyway, and where can I get one?

Currently, your user profiles used to be something on the lines of http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=816460064&ref=profile. With a Facebook Username, your profile would instead read something like http://facebook.com/kevinkute. You can get your own by clicking here.

Are Facebook Usernames just for Personal Profiles?

No, the Facebook Usernames are for both Personal Profiles and Facebook Fan Pages.

But my Facebook Username is Not Available?

This is the part where you call your mother and ask them why they had to name you Robert Smith. Facebook Usernames are being assigned on a first come first served basis. Need i emphasize how important it is to avail yourself at the strike of midnight tonight?

Someone is Illegally using my Username, what do I do?

Unfortunately, the deadline for submitting a request to reserve your trademark name has expired. Once Username registration is opened, you may still protect your rights on our site using our existing infringement reporting process. If you wish to report that someone’s Username infringes your intellectual property rights, you may report them to Facebook by clicking here.

What is Facebook doing to limit situations of “Name Squatting”?

For Personal Profiles you must have created the account prior to June 9th, 2009. New accounts are not eligible for Usernames until June 28th, 2009. For Facebook Fan Pages, the page must have been created prior to May 31st, 2009 and must have at least 1000 fans.

Will a Username become Available in the Future?

Because of Facebook’s strict No Transfer Policy, once a Username is assigned, you will never be able to attain it, even if the original holder of that Username deletes their account. Entrepreneurial minds out there….you’re out of luck on this one.

I don’t like my Username, can I change it?

Not unless you’re also changing your legal name but No, once a Username is assigned to you, you CANNOT change it, even if you misspelled your name (which forensic experts contend is a hard thing to do).

Any other advice on Usernames?

Yes, Usernames must be at least 5 characters long, can only be alphanumeric “A-Z” “0-9″ or a period “.”.  Also, Facebook reserves the right to prevent certain words from being used, and the right to recall any Username without reason.

How Can I Make This As Painless As Possible?

First, get some coffee or something…it’s going to be a long wait. Second, get a book or turn your TV on, forecaster predict a 75% chance of server downtime and/or crushes. Third, best of luck to you if you have anything less than DSL. Fourth, I do not expect to hear adults moan that they couldn’t get their Usernames…call your mama and talk it over.

Hope this was helpful to you. Business people will definitely see the implications of this change. Don’t get left out…grab your own virtual real estate, coming soon to  a computer near you Saturday June 13th at 0001 HRS EST.