#Facebookdown Crisis (Sort of) Freaks Out Denver Press, World Media

The recently repaired Facebook outage shouldn't have been that big a deal in Colorado, given that it mainly took place overnight. Nonetheless, local press figures took to Twitter anyhow to express their shock/prompt some laughs, as did social-media addicts on the other side of the planet, who had it far...

By Michael Roberts

January 27, 2015

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The recently repaired Facebook outage shouldn't have been that big a deal in Colorado, given that it mainly took place overnight. Nonetheless, local press figures took to Twitter anyhow to express their shock/prompt some laughs, as did social-media addicts on the other side of the planet, who had it far worse.

For 9News' Kyle Clark, the temporary shutdown put him in the uncomfortable position of communicating with loved ones face to face....

Facebook is down. My wife says we should "talk to each other." Need advice fast. #facebookdown
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) January 27, 2015

...and the prospect of more services cratering produced a particularly apocalyptic frame of mind:

If Twitter goes down, everyone needs to go to our family emergency meeting place. #facebookdown
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) January 27, 2015

More optimistic about the future was 7News' Marshall Zelinger....

We Will Rebuild #Facebook #Juno2015 pic.twitter.com/REnMnfeRvj
— Marshall Zelinger (@7Marshall) January 27, 2015

...and without Facebook, he re-discovered an old friend:

Hang on!!!! Is Myspace still working!?!? #facebookdown #juno2015
— Marshall Zelinger (@7Marshall) January 27, 2015

In Australia, the time difference meant #Facebookdown took place in something like prime time, and Anthony Segaert, social-media manager for The Global Panorama, didn't take it well:

OH MY GOSH PANIC #BREAKING NEWS FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM ARE DOWN
— Anthony Segaert (@anthonysegaert7) January 27, 2015

His advice in this time of uncertainty?

Do NOT go outside. Do NOT talk to people. Stay calm and lock your bedroom door. #facebookdown
— Anthony Segaert (@anthonysegaert7) January 27, 2015

Australia's Mamamia Twitter account, as overseen by editor Jamila Rizvi, also expressed fear that the virtual sky was falling....

Is this the end of days? #facebookdown http://t.co/g0ihrPaIDp
— Mamamia (@Mamamia) January 27, 2015

...before finding a more productive way to pass the time -- via #Facebookdown haiku. Soon thereafter, Mamamia rediscovered the beauty of nature....

#facebookdown http://t.co/g0ihrPaIDp pic.twitter.com/T3K4qG1YMV
— Mamamia (@Mamamia) January 27, 2015

...but was disturbed to discover what was happening on another social-media platform.

#facebookdown http://t.co/g0ihrPaIDp pic.twitter.com/Gxey6Xygjk
— Mamamia (@Mamamia) January 27, 2015

Nine months from now, will there be a #Facebookdown-inspired baby boom? Tinder users will be the first to know.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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