When facebook is available for free, why do people spend money on their independent website?

[Aakaashh Galaxy]

[Jamey]

Because their website is individual to them, and not bound by any one else's rules. You also have artistic licence to design it he way you want, etc. etc.

[Dr Redthumb]

because facebook sucks bigtime

[Ray Marrero]

Also, you can choose your own name, and not have facebook in it. An answer is in your question, to be "independent".

[Locoluis]

Control over delicate and sensitive information. Copyright and trademark issues.

You lose control of all personal information you submit to Facebook. You're not a customer, you're the product. Those who pay are the customers. They pay so that Facebook advertises their products and build communities around them. They pay for your personal information so that they can target their products to people most likely to buy them.

When you own the web site and the web server, you're in full control of who can access your content and any information submitted through your web site. You don't have to trust anyone to run your stuff for you. You also assume full responsibility.

You're only concerned in how much it costs to you in terms of money, but you're instead paying with something that's priceless. Your blind faith on Facebook is foolish and ignorant; you don't realize that Facebook is too a company, and profit is its ultimate goal.

[abraXus]

you can do a lot more with your own website than you can from just a basic facebook account