We know you know that Facebook is getting ready to unveil arguably its biggest design change yet. Instead of panicking and irrationally hating the new layout like we have been, we asked Daniel Moran, Jr., director of social marketing and communications for Blufish Design Studio, to share the skinny on the impending changes and how to stalk like a pro on the new Facebook 8:

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerburg took the stage at the company’s fourth f8 conference and announced some major overhauls to the look and feel of Facebook. While users are threatening to gather their torches and pitchforks, I happen to have fallen in love with the new features— especially Timeline.

So here’s the skinny on recent changes…

1. Dip back into the past with Timeline: This new feature transforms Facebook into a virtual scrapbook. Sporting a new over sized cover profile picture and a sleeker look, Timeline allows you to effortlessly view past posts, photo uploads, comments and more—giving you access to the most important content of your life.

As an added bonus you can add “major life experiences” and filter through specific content using Facebook’s filters that narrows your search between Friends, Photos, Map and Likes. With Timeline people can get a snazzy snapshot of who you are, dating back to the day you were born. This can be pretty scary for some people, especially if your significant other is jealous and dare we say stalker-y. Why? They can fish through your past posts from friends and even the dreaded X with a click of a mouse.

2. Don’t just like it, Verb it: Before you could simply “Like” something—a book, movie…you name it. Now Facebook is allowing you to give action to what you “Like,” so you can now read a book, listen to music or watch a movie.

3. Facebook’s gone App-tastic: Creating a more seamless integration with your Facebook Timeline and profile, you will not have to give an app approval before publishing new updates each time. So, when you grant access to an app (e.g. Spotify, RunKeeper, etc.) it won’t require you to approve each post—it will automatically be updated to your Timeline.

4. Ticker Tape Parade: Low activities often clutter your news feed with mundane information. Facebook switched things up by creating a ticker feed that posts what they call low-level activities that won’t clutter your newsfeed. However, these updates will be posted to your Timeline.

5. Don’t just read; watch it on Facebook: With these new features why would you ever log off of Facebook? That’s their goal—to keep you connected and engaged. Establishing partnerships with Hulu and Spotify, you can watch and listen to music in Facebook. Plus, you’ll automatically share the TV show you’re watching or song you’re listening to via Facebook’s ticker. Enabling you to further connect with friends and family, sharing your experiences with them in real-time.

While Facebook is sporting a new outfit it still holds true in its commitment to creating a unique, fun and engaging experience for users. While change can be a little scary, we encourage you to embrace the new look and feel of Facebook. And if you want to be the first on your block to make the switch to Timeline, TechCrunch.com let’s you know how.

And for those of you who are horrified at the thought of paying for Facebook, Don’t believe the rumors—Facebook won’t be charging their users anytime soon.

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