news-record.com

APEX (MCT) — He is a leader to more than 1.4 million people angry about recent changes to the Facebook Web site. But when he wants to turn on the computer, Jonathan Woodlief has to ask his mother.

Jonathan, an eighth-grader at Lufkin Road Middle School, took over the "CHANGE FACEBOOK BACK TO NORMAL!!" group Saturday after someone else created it but quit the administrative duties. Jonathan noticed the admin spot was open, clicked a button and was instantly in charge of those worldwide who hate the site's latest reconfiguration.

Since then, the number of members, and Jonathan's online fame, keep growing exponentially. It's all been a surprise to his parents.

"He's doing what on Facebook?" asked his father, David, when a reporter called the 14-year-old's home Tuesday night to ask about the group.

On Wednesday, people disgruntled with Facebook continued to post messages to the group every few seconds. In 30 minutes, it gained more than 3,000 new members. As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the group had 1.466 million members.

Now over their initial shock, Jonathan's parents are happy with their son's leadership position, which he credits to simply being signed on at the right time. In fact, one of those many new members is Jonathan's mom, Claire.

"I wanted to see what he was up to," she said.

For its part, Facebook e-mailed a dry statement that said the complaints will be taken into consideration.