I referred to pending big news from Facebook a few postings ago, mostly as a set-up to talking about a range of social media resources. Facebook’s big news was the introduction of social ads. (Surprise!) I noticed this morning that Joshua Porter over at Bokardo, who I mention in my earlier posting, has written a nice analysis of Facebook’s approach. Porter draws on Yochai Benkler’s distinction between “extrinsic” motivations and “intrinsic” motivations to explain how certain aspects of Facebook’s design approach tip the ad program in the direction of evil. Facebook is changing the relationship with its users, Porter says, from "one of social rewards to one of economic rewards." There is good food for thought here for anyone using social networking to engage members or customers.
JTC
Update: Just noticed this bit of acerbic Facebook commentary from Nicholas Carr and couldn’t resist tacking it onto this post.