[Reposted from Social Media Today. Also includes an update on Facebook Questions. Original article can be found at http://bit.ly/9eAlFI ]
Facebook continues to beta-test changes on how status updates function for users and Pages. Here’s a preview of what’s to come.
Format. The first thing users will notice is a new format. Instead of having one type of post (status updates) with attachment options, there will be multiple types of posts.
Current format
New format
Privacy settings for each option clearly displayed. When you select the type of post you’re going to make, your privacy settings will show up right next to the option–reminding you exactly who will see what you’re sharing (this change will make more sense in a minute).
Auto-Fill. Similar to using Facebook’s search box, when you begin typing a post, Facebook will try to match what you’re writing with Pages and friends.
Facebook Questions. Facebook questions began beta-testing a few months ago. Over the next few weeks Questions will be rolled out to all US users. It’s important to note that Questions are shown to everyone — so showing privacy settings next to your post options ensures you don’t forget that. (Clear and transparent, that might deserve a gold star).
Similar to the Status option, Questions also has an auto-fill feature. This means users can write their own question or join the discussion on questions already being asked.
Questions will also appear in the right hand rail of your Facebook homepage.
Pages can add a Questions tab. It will be interesting to see how brands will utilize the Questions page. For example, Questions could replace or change how the Discussions tab is used, could serve as a help/FAQ resource, or become a key place for customers to have customer service and product issues addressed.
Are you seeing the new changes in your Facebook account? If so, what do you think about them and how do you think brands will utilize Questions on brand pages?
Marina is a Digital Strategist at Arc Worldwide. She has an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern's Medill School and a B.S. in Marketing from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. She is passionate about branding, social media, and digital marketing and loves to stay on top of trends and experiment with new tools. Connect with her on Twitter @marina81 or at
www.marinamolenda.com. 
I’m really not liking the new way to post status updates. Now, instead of posting an update WITH a link, I’m being forced to choose one or the other. Plus, the links option doesn’t work on my labtop. Any solutions you’ve found?