Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

Facebook

Status
Not open for further replies.
Facebook tests charging $1 to send messages to strangers

This is a bit creepy isn't it?

Now, I use Facebook a little bit purely because it's helpful to keep in touch with certain people, particularly people at uni, and one of my mates who is in Hong Kong.

But.... every single recent update or change in it's privacy policy just puts me off that little bit more. Only last week they tried to monetise Instagram, by basically invaded peoples privacy.

I'd love to leave Facebook entirely but It would make certain things a bit more difficult. And I'm not going to join that circus that is Twitter either.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20810341

Facebook tests charging $1 to send messages to strangers

Facebook is testing new ways to generate revenue from its users

Facebook has begun a trial which allows users to pay $1 to send messages direct to people who are not their friends.

The fee will mean messages go straight to a recipient's inbox rather than the Other folder which contains all unsolicited correspondence.

The trial is only for a "small number of people" and is initially being tested just in the US.

Users will be able to receive a maximum of one paid-for message per week, and no more than three each month.

"Several commentators and researchers have noted that imposing a financial cost on the sender may be the most effective way to discourage unwanted messages and facilitate delivery of messages that are relevant and useful," the site said in a statement.

"For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their inbox."

Spam prevention
The system is similar to one adopted by professional social networking service LinkedIn. Its InMail feature allows users to get in touch with people they are not connected to for a set monthly fee.

On Facebook, users can already send messages to anyone else on the network. However, depending on a user's privacy settings, messages from users who are not friends mostly end up in the Other folder.

This folder, which is separate from the user's main inbox, often goes unchecked.

The $1 charge will mean messages will go straight to a user's inbox. Facebook said the level of cost is likely to prevent spam or irrelevant messages.

There are no immediate plans to launch the trial for users in Europe, but it could happen in the future, Facebook said.

The changes are the latest evolution of Facebook's messaging service - an area of its site it is looking to expand.

The site's founder Mark Zuckerberg has previously said he wants people to use Facebook messages instead of email - and the network rolled out @facebook.com email addresses to all users in June.
Click to expand...
 
Bryan said:
Charging for services? Hmm.
Click to expand...

They're desperately trying to find new ways of leveraging cash out of it, in order to justify the ridiculous company valuation.

It's been lauded as being the future hub around which the world will operate, when in years to come it'll be looked back upon as a fad of the time imo.
 



Status
Not open for further replies.

Welcome to GrandOldTeam

Get involved. Registration is simple and free.

Register
Back
Top