To all Math lovers - Petition for implementation of LaTeX in Facebook

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around a petition on Change.org advocating for the implementation of LaTeX in Facebook to enhance the presentation of mathematical equations. LaTeX is a document markup language that allows for the elegant rendering of complex mathematical expressions, similar to its use on platforms like Wikipedia and PhysicsForums. Participants express skepticism about the practicality and demand for such a feature among Facebook users, with many suggesting that the majority of users do not engage in mathematical discussions on the platform. Despite the mixed reactions, the original poster encourages science enthusiasts to support the petition for a more math-friendly Facebook environment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of LaTeX as a document markup language
  • Familiarity with Change.org and online petitions
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical notation and its challenges in digital communication
  • Awareness of social media dynamics and user engagement trends
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to effectively use LaTeX for mathematical typesetting
  • Explore the impact of online petitions on social media platforms
  • Investigate user engagement strategies for niche topics on social media
  • Learn about alternative platforms that support mathematical discussions, such as MathJax
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, educators, and science communicators interested in enhancing mathematical discourse on social media, as well as developers and product managers considering feature implementations for platforms like Facebook.

Ryuzaki
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I know this isn't the appropriate place to post this, but I just couldn't stop myself after hearing something this big (to me atleast!)! I urge you to read through the following carefully:-

There is currently an online petition at Change.org for the implementation of LaTeX in Facebook! For those who don't know what LaTeX is, it's a document markup language-cum-preparation system, that renders mathematical equations beautifully, with the use of simple tags (similar to the ones in HTML).

How beautiful? Well, remember how beautiful the math equations are displayed on Wikipedia? On most math/physics forums, including our PhysicsForums? Just check out some of the posts made by the Mentors here, and you'll see that almost all mathematical posts are rendered beautifully! this wouldn't be possible without LaTeX. Imagine if that were possible in Facebook as well? How much more social could science get? Haven't you ever felt the limitation of not being able to discuss elegant problems with your friends there, for the lack of an equation editor? And what about problems that involved even more serious math, that is almost impossible to present, with the current system there? It would all be so much easier (as opposed to the current "limitless parantheses & odd symbols system") to communicate our scientific thoughts , not just puzzles and curiosities, but serious math-based science, with the implementation of LaTeX!

So, I request the science lovers here to sign this online petition (link at the bottom) for the sake of a more social science exposition, and for beautiful equations! It only takes a minute to sign, and please share the message to your science buddies here, as well as on Facebook, as well. Together, there's hope for a more math-oriented Facebook! :)

And apologies, if anyone has felt that I posted out of context. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitio...of-writing-in-latex-on-www-facebook-com#share
 
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The percent of FB members that would use this is almost nil, but good luck.
 
What is a facebook?

Seriously, who uses facebook for math discussions?
 
Every time I read "FB" I think it's referring to the Fruit Bat.

riccotongue.jpg
 
Evo said:
The percent of FB members that would use this is almost nil, but good luck.

Yeah, you'd be better off trying to petition for a breathalyzer app, which would be more relevant to the lives of the average FB'er.
 
leroyjenkens said:
Yeah, you'd be better off trying to petition for a breathalyzer app, which would be more relevant to the lives of the average FB'er.

OMG! And it wouldn't let you drunk-post in the middle of the night?! BRILLIANT!

Also, let me know when there's a petition going around to just shut down Facebook. Even as a shareholder, I'd support it.
 
I guess I was being naive. Hardly anyone uses FB for discussing math. Just thought it'd be cool though.
 
Evo said:
The percent of FB members that would use this is almost nil, but good luck.

Right you are. Found this out the hard way. :biggrin:

Borek said:
Seriously, who uses facebook for math discussions?

Quite embarrassing, but I actually do. :redface: It's where I try to knock some math sense to my non-math friends.
 
Well, you know the saying, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". At least you had an intelligent idea, unfortunately the majority of FB users don't embrace intelligent ideas.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
FB... intelligent

First time I have ever seen these two things said in the same sentence. (I know I cut off a "don't" in the sentence but still :P )
 
  • #12
collinsmark said:
Every time I read "FB" I think it's referring to the Fruit Bat.

riccotongue.jpg
:cry:

FB!

I miss him SO MUCH!

SO MUCH! He was my best friend. EVER.

He passed a year ago last month.

Stupid vet, stupid, idiot, incompetant vet. "he has a heart condition, but with meds, he'll live for years...oh...we discovered this 2 years ago, we never told you and never put him on meds... he died 4 days later.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Now google+ on the other hand...
 
  • #14
Would be cool but I doubt it will happen.

I'm all for it though.

Good luck.
 
  • #15
No Facebook means no PF Junkies. We'll see where you all stand the next time PF goes down for an extended period of time.

Ryuzaki said:
...

Quite embarrassing, but I actually do. :redface: It's where I try to knock some math sense to my non-math friends.

Not embarrassing at all. I've done it many times. However, the need for LaTeX usually means what you're communicating is probably something non-math people aren't going to be able to follow anyway. As imprecise as English is, it's done well enough for Facebook topics.
 
  • #16
Btw - what the heck is that "facebook" thing you're talking about? :biggrin:
 

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