DISQUS

Heather Kennedy · 1 year ago

In recent buzz, in some blogs I read, it was pointed out that one should not look at Microsoft's investment as "Wow, Microsoft loves Facebook" as much as Microsoft wants to be able to call some shots or shut it down or throw a wrench in the gears. That's what I've been hearing. Maybe Microsoft just wants the data, wants to know how the users use it, not so much that they do. Microsoft probably doesn't care how many trees/plants/beers are passed back and forth, yk?

I'm not on Facebook. I was, but didn't get it. I know I'm not the only one.

Mona N. · 1 year ago

I hear that! I thought it was data mining, but when I thought about it more (and Googled), Facebook is only doing what Amazon / ebay / Paypal, etc., are doing. Except there's no commerce involved. But seeing all these corporate giants back Facebook makes me think they have a big picture that we don't see... I'm no conspiracy theorist but it's kinda scary lol

deepikaur · 1 year ago

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like Facebook has been creating a lot of buzz lately. And for a fine reason. I do agree with Heather on the point that Microsoft wants to be able to call some shots, as put, and is after some data.

I for one joined Facebook and soon after closed my sporadically-checked MySpace because I could decide who saw what on my profile. At the time, it seemed secure. Now, I realize that in truth, no social network is truly safe, as they're all vulnerable to hacks and can sell/share user data. Users should be more concerned than they are. There are many people that upload bucket loads of photos to Facebook, precious memories. But what if (hopefully not) all that data were to be lost and they had no backup? Now, that would be a mistake upon the user's part, but simply put, people shouldn't post anything to any social network, or anywhere on the 'net for that matter, that they wouldn't be willing to share with the world.

Mona N. · 1 year ago

I am not too concerned with photos, but more so - personal information? How much data do they filter, collect, and actually store? What is their algorithm? There are just so many mysteries surrounding Facebook, I simply want to know: What is your masterplan? Enterprise? Fair enough, but if and when they DO move into e-commerce, how much of that information will be shared amongst the partner sites? Or is taht even legal?

This is a world I'm not familiar with, so I love hearing different thoughts and perspectives. :)

Jesse Stay · 1 year ago

Mona, thus far Facebook has been very open about taking privacy seriously. That is what sets them apart against their competitors. The unique thing about Facebook is that you *do* have control over who sees your information. Whereas with Twitter or YouTube or Myspace whatever you published may be used by almost anyone as they please, with no way for you to track that. With Facebook, via their privacy settings, you have full control over that process.

Mona N. · 1 year ago

Jesse - I'm not talking about who *sees* our information, I'm talking about data mining. From their Privacy Policy page:
"Facebook may also collect information about you from other sources, such as newspapers, blogs, instant messaging services, and other users of the Facebook service through the operation of the service (e.g., photo tags) in order to provide you with more useful information and a more personalized experience.

By using Facebook, you are consenting to have your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States."
http://www.facebook.com/policy.php

Also, check out the "Information We Collect" section.

Jesse Stay · 1 year ago

I think there's always that risk, but Facebook is certainly doing their best
to give you control over it. I don't think they're the only one with a
similar policy - have you read Google's TOS lately?

Mona N. · 1 year ago

But you see, I (as well as a lot of others I know) don't provide Google / Gmail with our personal information to make it easier for people to find us (I think). ie: Schooling, addresses (home), emails, IM names, phone numbers, etc., etc.

I understand we provide that information to Amazon, eBay, PayPal, and the likes - but we KNOW what they are doing wiht that info. What is Facebook doing? What are they planning to do? Not knowing is the scariest thing for me.

Jesse Stay · 1 year ago

Do you use Google Apps? Do you use Google chat? Orkut? Android? Gmail?
All that content Google has the right to look over and use. Perhaps you
don't use any of those, but many more use those services than Facebook.
Privacy is an illusion - I'm not saying that's a good thing, but at least
Facebook is trying to make it known that they, despite their TOS, want to
protect your privacy. I don't see Google or Apple or Microsoft or anyone
else saying the same thing.

Mona N. · 1 year ago

So your stance is, we shouldn't be concerned because they are so open about their privacy policy... Jesse, when you get a chance, take a look at salesforce and Facebook's collaboration plans. It is some scary stuff.

alpinefolk · 1 year ago

Facebook is now a perpetual motion machine. Some time ago they reached critical mass, and unless a far superior service comes along, they can pretty much do what they like and they will continue to grow. To move to another service involves starting again, building a friend network and migrating all your content over. That is a lot of work for people.

So as much as the misleading ads and confusing format annoy people, they will continue to grow.

Mona N. · 1 year ago

Next = enterprise, then... total (Internet) world domination?