It appears that Facebook could be close to creating folder structures within their Messages system based on some small changes that have been recently introduced. It’s been a long time coming, but it finally looks like Facebook are looking to enhance their messaging functionality beyond user to user messaging.

Whilst the functionality is currently not present, the URLs for your Facebook inbox have changed slightly:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/inbox/?folder=[fb]messages&page=1

The query string “folder=[fb]” being the key indicator on this one. It seems to suggest that “[fb]” is the root folder, with future options to tweak that variable to point to different folders. The sidebar has also updated with some scope for adding folders:

The Facebook messaging system has been pretty simple from its inception. Since launch it’s been basic private messaging functionality, sharing links etc was the first enhancement, but it’s been pretty stale since that point. Adding folders will branch this functionality out even further – pushing into email territory for real. Don’t forget they also offer some basic email address functionality which works with Facebook messaging.

What do you think? It’s looking pretty likely to me!

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 and is filed under Development, Social-Web, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.