In light of recent changes to Facebook, some pundits have begun to call for a competing social network with a different take on user information, as we note in the lead story of today’s SmartBrief on Social Media.
Ryan Singel posits that it would take a network of open apps to compete with Facebook, while Christopher Dawson argues that this is a problem only Google can solve.
Given the recent changes to Facebook, are you more or less interested in alternative social networks than you were a month ago? Is is still possible for a network to mount a realistic challenge to Facebook? What sorts of features would such a network need to have to be successful?
Image credit, tkemot, via Shutterstock (read more…)
Farmville and other popular social games developed by Zynga are a big draw for many Facebook users, but the relationship between the companies appears to be on the rocks, as noted in the lead story of today’s SmartBrief on Social Media.
Zynga is reportedly upset over Facebook’s attempts to get the publisher to sign a long-term contract with the social network. Facebook’s requirement that the publisher use Facebook Credits for all user transactions is also a source of friction because of the 30% commission that Facebook charges.
Does Zynga need Facebook more than Facebook needs Zynga? How do you feel about Facebook’s aggressive stance toward promoting Facebook Credits? Are Zynga’s troubles emblematic of a larger problem between developers and Facebook?
Image credit, Dim Dimich, via Shutterstock (read more…)
McDonald’s announced it will be among the early partners of an upcoming location-based feature for Facebook, as noted in today’s lead story in SmartBrief on Social Media.
The feature, which should be unveiled in a few weeks, will allow users to check in at McDonald’s restaurants in a manner similar to existing location-based networks such as Gowalla and Foursquare.
Are you interested in using Facebook as location-based network? How will you adapt your Facebook strategy to account for this feature?
Image credit, lznogood, via Shutterstock (read more…)
Have you heard the latest social-media joke?
Mr. T, a ninja and a talking horse walk into a bar. Mr. T orders a Courvoisier and takes a seat. The talking horse starts to order, but the bartender cuts him off.
“No way,” says the bartender. “I saw what you and your ninja friend said about this bar on Facebook chat last night. You’re not welcome here anymore. Just pay your bar tab and get out.” Hearing this, ninja quietly slips away into the shadows, leaving the horse to cover both bills.
“I pity the foal,” says Mr. T.
If you’re not laughing, it’s either because you don’t love awful horse puns as much as I do, or because the exploitation that allows Facebook users to view friends’ private chats was all too real, as we note in the lead story of today’s SmartBrief on Social Media. (read more…)
I had to pause when I saw the headline of today’s top story in SmartBrief on Social Media: “Online Retailers Socialize Shopping.” Haven’t we always been shopping socially?
Whether it’s bringing Mom along to help buy a first mattress right out of college or leaning on friends who have kids when selecting a crib for a first child, we rely on the advice of trusted friends and family to help us find the best-quality products at the best prices.
What is new is where we are asking and receiving this counsel. Instead of bringing a friend to the store or calling someone on the phone for advice, many retail websites offer a customer reviews that make it easy to assess buyer satisfaction and pinpoint product flaws.
Recent e-marketer data bear out the fact that shoppers consider reviews to be a critical element to e-retailer — or e-tailer — websites. (read more…)
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