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FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIES

I have been following Facebook changes.

My initial reaction was Oh No…Another learning curve! I followed advice from people I knew were masters at it. I still couldn’t understand the changes Facebook was going to make. Call me technically challenged, but I got all worked up over this one.
The more I read, the more I was confused.

I was in the middle of a 30-day challenge and was supposed to be blocking out everything else. I had to be focused on what I was doing without distraction. Then…BAM..there was so much buzz about Facebook changes that it took my attention away from my goal. I threw my hands up in the air and sang “Let It Be” from the Beatles and let it all melt away.

Now it is not so frightening to me because I’ve learned to understand it
Facebook is growing fast and it is quickly becoming, perhaps, THE most important way of marketing. No matter what the changes will be, though, there are still rules you must follow to make it work.

1. I always found Facebook to be a place for sharing good content. Facebook is a place where you can syndicate great information with people in your niche or people that have something that you have learned from.

2. Growing organically is the best way to have great people on your Facebook. By this I mean that you don’t want to accept just anyone to get your numbers up. Quality is better than quantity when it comes to having Facebook friends.

3. By liking or giving comments on people you know, relationships start to grow. You may follow someone that gives great content. You probably like reading and sharing information with this person. But on Facebook, you get to see a little more into their lives by reading about their family life, their vacations, a seminar they are at, etc.

4. Now we can grow a little closer. Besides liking and commenting, we can message them and ask if they would like to know you better. This can lead to phone calls, and most of all, trusted relationships.

5. The people you form Facebook relationships with can be customers, joint venture people, mastermind group-mates, and so much more. When you build relationships like this and you get to really know that person, you will most likely recommend their expertise to your other friends. It is all about a trusting relationship. And that is something strong!

6. Being Ethical when on Facebook: We have to think of Facebook as a good social place but there still is a code of respect. It is just like the real three dimensional world. You cannot barge in. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all. We develop relationships with certain people, and resonate with them. Facebook is also a place where you can find groups to syndicate one another’s blogs or videos, and also recommend someone on a social site.

7. Reciprocity: You will find that if you related to your Facebook friends in an ethical manner, they will reciprocate to you.

8. Facebook Business Pages: That is where you really want to lead them. As you bond with people, invite them to your business page and encourage comments. You can do this by going to their business page first and commenting. Remember Reciprocity.

9. Have a Facebook opt-in page on your business page. More than likely if you get to know someone, or if you are “liking” and/or commenting on their wall, they will do the same for you. They may even come to trust you enough to opt-in to your offer.

10. Helpful Hint: Try to make friends with people in your niche that are far ahead of you. Go to their Facebook pages and comment with good content. Join their Google Connect and maybe opt-in to their training pages. Staying close to the “big guys” and honestly giving your likes and comments can virally get you more friends that you can imagine.

11. Never give negative comments! Never argue a point. Always keep things on a positive note and you will succeed.

In closing, even the changes in Facebook will change, but the integrity won’t. So please remember to use your Facebook ethically and honestly.

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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55 Responses to FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIES

  1. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    October 26, 2011 at 4:53 pm #

    I do agree Derek. I too find it distracting for those who you communicate the most. It’s just another learning curve for me. As EVERYTHING is online. Changes come so fast, that we need to keep up as best as we can. I just don’t want to get all caught up in too many learning curves that take me off my path. Eventually, I’ll get used to it.
    Dona
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Focused?My Profile

  2. Dereck October 26, 2011 at 6:27 am #

    Hey Donna,

    I too have noticed all the changes and one thing I have noticed with facebook as of late is the lack of communication with the new changes.

    Even while all of your suggestions still work and all play an integrate part in the workings of facebook, I find it to be too distractive to follow those who you communicate with the most.

    However, any way you look at it… it’s the premier social site and one that will remain dominate for what looks like a long time to come.

    Love the tips!

    -Dereck

  3. Sonia October 17, 2011 at 10:55 pm #

    Amen Sister! #11 is huge for me because I have seen some knock down fights online over a silly comment taken the wrong way. You have to be very careful what you put out there because once it’s posted, it’s there forever!

    Having a positive outlook period is always the best “high road” to be on when you’re dealing with Social Media outlets. People attract what they put out there, so playing nice is always good food for thought. Thanks for listing this out Donna!
    Sonia recently posted..The biggest mistake I’ve made as a blogger was….My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 18, 2011 at 3:28 am #

      Thanks Sonia
      Yes once it is there it lasts forever! If someone is negative, I either delete it or not respond to it. Keeping it positive is what it’s all about. And If I disagree on a point, I just won’t comment at all. I seen those crazy fights too. lol
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Do You Believe In “The Power of Prayer”?My Profile

  4. Lynda Cromar October 17, 2011 at 4:45 pm #

    Wow that is awesome. I love your points and most especially your final comment about keeping it ethical and positive! I love creating relationships with people on Facebook, we might add it is also the most visual of all of the social networks!

  5. Kellie Hosaka October 13, 2011 at 4:39 am #

    Aloha Donna!

    What a great list of strategies for FB! Thank you for making it very simple. I haven’t changed to the Timeline yet, but I like the others changes.

    There’s always some apprehension with change, however, there is always a big positive with change too. I just go with the flow and enjoy all of the benefits, and leave the parts I don’t understand. LOL! Keeps it simple for my brain!!

    Much love & aloha,
    Kellie 🙂
    Kellie Hosaka recently posted..Why I Became An Entrepreneur – To Be A Better MomMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2011 at 4:49 pm #

      I agree Kellie when you state that you leave the parts you don’t understand and go with the flow. It does keep things simple!
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Focused?My Profile

  6. Emma October 12, 2011 at 2:54 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’m really enjoying the facebook changes, I’m finding it easier to keep up with people and engage more…

    Some rules like the ones you mention above are great, it’s easy to lose track of what I’m doing so I love to have some guidelines – I especially like never leave negative comments… I gravitate towards positive people as I’m sure many do!

    Emma 🙂
    Emma recently posted..Why Video Email?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2011 at 4:48 pm #

      thanks Emma! Comments are so important, in fact I just went through my list of FB followers and had to eliminate some because of spamming or cursing, etc. I like my FB to be clean and happy!
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Focused?My Profile

  7. Kevin Martineau October 12, 2011 at 2:12 pm #

    Hi Donna:

    Facebook (like everything else in our world) is going to constantly change whether we like it or not. Learning to adapt can be frustrating but it is necessary to keep up with the changes.

    Kevin
    Kevin Martineau recently posted..Facebook and changeMy Profile

  8. Kyle Quinlan October 12, 2011 at 8:02 am #

    Excellent outline on how to use Facebook properly. I used to look down on Facebook and other social media platforms because they seemed to be an invasion of privacy… however, since I stared internet marketing about a year ago, I now love Facebook (it’s funny how things can change so fast haha).
    I’ve learned that the change will happen and to just go with the flow. It’s not always fun, but there’s no benefits to resisting change!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 1, 2011 at 4:16 am #

      I know what you mean Kyle,
      I used to poo poo my space and facebook too. I thought it was for kids. But in our business it is one of the most effective business tools. When used properly, it can really work for your advantage.
      Cheers,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Halloween or Samhain? Witch do you celebrate?My Profile

  9. Raena Lynn October 11, 2011 at 3:58 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I decided a long time ago that when the Facebook changes come, just go with the flow. It isn’t worth getting stressed and I think Facebook is really trying to keep things as “organic” as possible. They cannot control every behavior on Facebook, but I think since Facebook is still the number one Social Network, they obviously did something right! The goal of Facebook is to provide the most awesome social platform for us so we have the opportunity to build relationships, create lifelong partners, and express our life to others who are interested in the same things! Facebook is also a place to have fun! Mark Zuckerberg is a genius and will be noted as one of the ultimate entrepreneurs of history along with Steve Jobs!

    Facebook changes all the time, and so does Twitter, You Tube, Google etc. I have to say that we must be flexible in this business and roll with the punches. I remember the first time Facebook made a change and I felt confused, but it seems that there is a change daily with one platform or another, I don’t notice anymore. Either I will do my own research or eventually articles and blog posts will cover the facts needed to adjust to the changes.

    Your eleven strategies are all practical tips. My favorite is #3 Growing Organically. I chose my friends wisely and do my best to keep my site full of people who have the same niche.

    Thank you for highlighting these strategies!

    Raena Lynn

  10. Bobbi Prim October 11, 2011 at 5:34 pm #

    Hi Donna! What an awesome, informational posting! Thank you for sharing this information.

    You are so right about the changes on Facebook. At first, I didn’t like the way they put the friends list “groups” because I couldn’t get to all my groups … HELLO! Then I figured it out – and now, I love it – LOL! Discovering this … it dawned on me that this is exactly why people get upset … not over the changes themselves, but they are lost and just don’t know how to do what they used to do!

    So … it’s just a matter of us helping them work through this and teach them 🙂

    Personally, I like the changes – they are all for the better even if we don’t think so at the time. I think back of what Facebook was like when I first joined – UGH! I couldn’t do anything with graphics – big disappointment … it was boring, etc etc. NOW look at it and what we can do!

    Thanks for sharing and keep inspiring us – looking forward to your next post!

    Have a Great Day!
    Bobbi Prim recently posted..Positive Thinking – Your Key to SuccessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2011 at 9:48 pm #

      Thank you Bobbi, The more I work on the changes the easier it is and makes more sense to me. But focusing on the WHY we are using it is so important. Every “like” Every “comment” has to be well done to keep yourself steady in the viral world.
      -donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  11. Holly
    Twitter:
    October 6, 2011 at 11:31 pm #

    Must say that was my first response too.. more learning!! So I am taking it slow. Fabulous list of Facebook info I will definitely read it again and take heed to what you have mentioned. Thanks a lot, Donna!
    Holly recently posted..How To Exercise…Two Important ComponentsMy Profile

  12. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    October 5, 2011 at 5:46 pm #

    Isn’t that so like life in general? Get focused on something, and you’re going along just fine, and suddenly something comes in and stops you in your tracks. I remember when my kids were little (I have 7), I never knew how much time I would have to do anything before the inevitable interruptions would come, and for that reason, all too often I didn’t bother doing things I would have enjoyed doing. Journal writing went by the wayside for 20 years!

    Facebook will always be changing. It’s inevitable. But I love your list of strategies. Facebook is a great place for meeting all kinds of people from all over the world, and I am so thankful for those who have enriched my life over the past few years.

    Willena Flewelling

  13. Paul Reimers October 4, 2011 at 11:51 pm #

    I can totally relate to how you feel. Every time there is a major update in Social Media, part of me is excited for the new range of possibilities and another part of me wants to not bother with another learning curve.

    Thanks for the list of tips!
    Paul Reimers recently posted..How to Write a Powerful Elevator PitchMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 5, 2011 at 3:15 am #

      Thanks Paul, Change is an obvious part of life and learning skills we have to go through, but I rather roll with the punches than get caught up in the fear factor. Thanks for visiting.
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  14. Martin Casper October 3, 2011 at 8:54 pm #

    Great post, Donna…
    I especially liked the sections on being ethical on Facebook & reciprocity. Frequently, I see questionable behavior and language on Facebook. It seems that many individuals either do not care what others may think of them or they are completely naive. They seem to forget that “What happens on Facebook does NOT stay on Facebook”. Our digital world makes it too easy to move information around…so if you make a mistake in what you say…it is pretty well impossible to remove it completely.

    I also like your comments on reciprocity. Facebook and social media is about community and communication going both directions…we need to remember that and not make it “all about us”. Thanks!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 4, 2011 at 4:59 pm #

      Thanks for your comment! I like your quote “What happens on Facebok does NOT stay on Facebook” Awesome! And Yes, Reciprocity is so important in social media. We cannot make it all about us. That’s how we can loose friends and good connections.
      Thanks Again,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  15. Jupiter Jim October 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm #

    Donna,
    Great post! I find it a little frustrating trying to keep up with the changes on Facebook. However, Facebook has been a most excellent thing in my life. All your points were excellent. I love “grow organically”. I am very picky about who I accept at a FB friend. Most people ask to befriend me and NEVER include a message. I have no idea who these people are. I will click on their profile and if they are not my kind of people, I do not accept them as my friend. “Reciprocity” is another good one. One of my WordPress blog clients tried to use FB to drive traffic to her blog. She never commented on anyone else’s wall but couldn’t figure out why she got almost NO comments on her own FB wall. It’s because she never reciprocated. My very first client for my WordPress blog business found me on FB, so I’ll always be thankful to FB for that. Also, I love Salsa music. Without Facebook I would have not known about so many concerts that I found out about on FB!
    Thanks,
    Jupiter Jim

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 4, 2011 at 3:44 pm #

      Great comment Jim! As long as our blogs connect to Facebook, it is a win win situation. Facebook also is a great place for people to find us. There are many potential clients out there that you never know who you will run into. Thanks for visiting.
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  16. Joyce Edwards October 3, 2011 at 3:13 pm #

    I like Facebook but am not really so into it that I even notice any changes when they come along. This time I did see the changes and really feel the change in where they are going. At firest Facebook seemed to be a platform for the kids to tell all their friends what they were doing every minute of the day. Now the power is gone over to the adults and the application in marketing are starting to take over what was a communucation system for some college kids.

  17. Rick Lelchuk October 2, 2011 at 4:42 pm #

    Donna,

    Appreciated your post and your suggestions until I hit number 11. Are you saying to comment only if you agree and then make it positive? What if I have something to contribute to a premise but it might not be so agreeable. For instance, this comment here. Is it considered negative or am I expanding a conversation?

    I have clicked away from many posts where I didn’t agree because my comment would have been construed as negative or controversial and it wasn’t worth tick people off. But, a good fully involved discussion, one that is sincere and not mean spirited makes for good content, good interaction.

    What do you think?

    RICK

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 4, 2011 at 1:41 am #

      No. 11 is a tricky one Rick. What I mean by that is not to be sarcastic, or tear people down. Sure…a difference of opinion is always appreciated as long as it is commented in a respectful manner, such as you would.
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  18. Pj Zafra
    Twitter:
    September 30, 2011 at 3:43 pm #

    Hey Donna, great post here! I love the changes. Makes me interact more and get to know my friends a bit more. You’ve definitely shared a lot of great tips and insights here. Thanks for sharing them! Facebook is definitely such a powerful tool once we know how to effectively use it. Thanks again and keep it up! 😀

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 3, 2011 at 6:11 pm #

      Change is ALWAYS going to happen, We just have to roll with it. The most important thing is to stay focused on what we are set out to accomplish and not get caught up in all the wooo haaa!
      Donna Merrill recently posted..FACEBOOK CHANGES AND 11 STRATEGIESMy Profile

  19. David Merrill
    Twitter:
    September 30, 2011 at 2:24 am #

    You’ve certainly got this Facebook thing down, Donna.

    When I get ready to really explore all its incredible syndication power, I will be sure to hunt you down for advice!

  20. John Gaydon September 30, 2011 at 12:05 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for providing some common sense information on Facebook. I must admit after all this time, I am still struggling with the time required to do all this Social networking. I think we have too many choices!

    I particularly like comment 10. I hadn’t thought of this, and I can see how it can really benefit many people.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 30, 2011 at 2:11 am #

      Thanks John, Yes number 10 is one of my all-time favorites. Make it your golden rule and you will see that the people following the “big guys” will come on over and friend you. Our comments have to be clear and concise. People read comments often. If you are giving good content, they will jump on your site to get to know you.

  21. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    September 29, 2011 at 9:14 pm #

    Great advice Donna. You know it’s funny – for the longest time I’ve had a hate/love relationship with Facebook. But the truth is I can’t keep it on the backshelf any longer because it’s now the #2 source of traffic to my blog – who’da thunk! As far as the changes – I’m kind of used to the periodic shake ups at this point. I just avoid reading or paying attention to those people who freak out and know I’ll figure it all out eventually. Thanks!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 30, 2011 at 2:09 am #

      I totally agree with you. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it is my motto. Lets see what happens.

  22. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    September 29, 2011 at 3:55 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thank goodness, it wasn’t just me who freaked out when I visited Facebook one morning only to be hit with all these changes. My mind started going, oh darn, how long will it take me to figure all this mess out now!

    I don’t necessarily like all the new changes but like anything else, we just get use to them and move on. I mean complaining about them does no one any good right!

    You have pointed out some really great ways for people to interact on Facebook. I wish more would take a few lessons from you. It would be so much more fun if they did.

    Now we get to stay tuned for the other changes headed our way. Can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of them next!

    Appreciate you sharing this with us Donna. Great stuff!

    ~Adrienne

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 30, 2011 at 2:08 am #

      My little secret is I didn’t do anything to change my Facebook yet. I’m playing the game of wait and see. Up until today, there has been scarry stories about it still. If something goes wrong, I’ll fix it.

  23. Peter Fuller MBA September 28, 2011 at 5:45 pm #

    Hey Donna, good points especially #11 which I have not always followed.

    Now I know better. If someone is posting too many things I do not agree with or are spamming I now just unfriend them.

    Peter

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

      That is the easy way out Peter! You can disagree with something on Facebook and kindly make that point, but if someone is spamming or is negative, the delete button will be your best friend.

  24. Pearly Quah September 28, 2011 at 11:25 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I truly love this post and I agree with you that it isn’t scary at all to see recent changes on facebook. I still find it is the best place to hang around with sincerely, supportive friends. I use facebook to build relationship with people not putting business in front. When people like us they will approach us and buy or do business with us. It is that simple.

    I agree with liking and commenting on others post to grow the relationship and to also give the support to friends on our contact list 🙂

    Thanks for all the strategies shared and to tell you again, I truly enjoy this post, Donna 🙂

    Cheers
    Pear;y

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm #

      Hi Pearly! Change is just a part of life. No one likes change, even positive ones. Some get startled, some run, and some see it as a positive challenge to a new learning curve. I think what made the Facebook Changes a little frightening to me at first was the prelude to it and reading everyone’s opinions. Some say back up your friends, and other scarry stories.
      Call it blind trust, but I have faith that a powerful company like Facebook would handle things correctly and wouldn’t jeopardize their customers. That’s what exactly happened, Plus, they gave us many more opportunities to do business.
      I have acclimated to the changes and it is not so bad at all, It is better. The recent rumors are that Facebook will take over Google. Hmmm lets wait and see!
      Anyone want to place a bet? lol

  25. Sandhan September 28, 2011 at 5:52 am #

    I so agree with you about the Rules of etiquette and reciprocity Donna

    Great article… and… point 12… always send a message about who you are, where you saw my name and why you want to connect when you send me a friend request!

    I admit to having nearly 300 requests sitting in my inbox that do not have a message attached so I don’t give them priority…call me conceited if you like but I’d never go on a blind date without a glowing recommendation from a friend or a photo or at least some mutual connection. Would you? LOL I know YOU’D never send a request without a message…

    Much love XXX

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm #

      You always make me crack up Sandhan. I know how you feel. I don’t go on blind dates either. lol

  26. Ken Pickard September 28, 2011 at 5:51 am #

    Donna,

    Like you I’m really digging into the mew changes Facebook has laid out. i see this as innovations…and the people first to accept the changes, learn them, find out how to teach them, will attract leaders!

    Stay on the cutting edge!

    Ken Pickard
    The Network Dad

    • Sandhan September 28, 2011 at 5:53 am #

      Wow you beat me by 0.1 of a minute!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2011 at 2:54 pm #

      Hey Ken I know this Change on Facebook caught many people off guard. It was the anxiety of the change that threw me off my feet! But now that it has happened, I’m applying it bit by bit. But as I said above, we must keep our integrity and not lose sight of why we are really there. Using Facebook appropriately will get us further now with it’s changes.
      Donna

  27. Julieanne van Zyl September 28, 2011 at 3:28 am #

    Hi Donna, I love the changes on Facebook. A few days ago, I changed my profile to “the timeline”, and it’s really amazing stuff. When I first learned to market online, all we had was a “face page” (a flat webpage with headings and some writing on it) and a site where we could upload our pictures. When I think back, it was kind of boring.

    Now, the way Facebook is, we can tell our whole lifestory without boring people. If people want to know part of our life story, they just click on that year, and find simple stuff with simple pictures (once we get it all updated).

    I just had a wonderful thought – if I can get my Dad to fill out his profile properly, I will forever have his history to look at (I’m hoping his page will remain after he’s gone).

    Zuckerburg (sp?) is a genius about the things he’s invented. Facebook just keeps getting better and better! I get excited about all the changes!

    bye for now Donna!

    • Sandhan September 28, 2011 at 5:48 am #

      Hmmmm Glad you like the new time line Julieanne… I am not a fan at all and feel somewhat invaded by Facebook making decisions on my behalf about what they choose to show.. It is almost enough to have me leave and I’ll certainly be minimising my personal profile by removing and trimming down! What is good is that I shall now be using my page more… until they start messing with that LOL

      I feel what they have done in one feel swoop is totally disregard the rules of good business by cheapening the brand and making FB now look like Twitter and my space combined… like going away for the weekend and coming home to find that not only did a stranger rearrange the furniture in the entire house but then changed toe decor the wallpaper and the whole colour-scheme! LOL Imagine if Coca Cola sudden;y changed the colour of their product, the taste and the branding ~ when they simply switched the taste a few years back there was a global outcry!

      I rest my case…

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2011 at 2:51 pm #

      Hey Julieanne, I love the way you are looking at the new facebook and having your dad in on it. That would be a Hoot!
      And Sandhan…I did feel like you, at first it did feel like someone rearranged my furniture lol. But changes will always be there and we have to keep up with them, no matter how busy we are. I’m keeping my Facebook dormant until I finish my project. It is great to see you guys here…Blessings, Donna

  28. Jenna Waites September 28, 2011 at 1:15 am #

    Donna, that was a great post! I deal with a lot of people that really stress out every time Facebook makes a change. I personally love it, but that is what keeps my business exciting. However, you are sooo right that people are missing the point of the platform and that their ability (and hopefully goal) to connect with people isn’t hindered by these changes. I also like your reminder that we need to play nice. It seems that a lot of people hidden behind their computer seem to feel free to say things they would never say in person and don’t consider the ramifications.

    I look forward to more of your posts!

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