This ad ran in Facebook tonight. My gut tells me I wasn't really the 10,000th visitor to a Facebook application (even though "10,000th" in blue was mighty convincing). But I could be wrong. Want to find out? Here's the web page that appears when I click the ad. If you follow it and there's actually a free 16 GB iPod touch at the end of the line, it's yours.
My prediction: From the barely readable disclaimer text at the bottom of the page, I'll bet it's one of those virtually endless co-registration offers aimed at the masses. If so, I'd wonder whether Facebook has any real ad approval process (see definition of false and misleading advertising). Either way, please shoot back a comment and let us know what happened. Thanks.
I like Facebook, but I don't love it. It's because of the company's acceptance of questionable ads like this and poor usability. Don't even get me started on the Facebook beacon!
Facebook isn't practicing Responsible Marketing, and it's a shame. Their growth has been astonishing, but it's been due to network effect -- the fact that everyone seemingly has a Facebook account.
But like the recession, the backlash is no longer in question, it's just a question of severity now.
Patrick Byers
OUTSOURCE MARKETING
http://outsourcemarketing.com
Visit the Responsible Marketing Blog
http://responsiblemarketing.com
Posted by: Patrick Byers | March 19, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Maybe they're trying a little too hard to justify that $15 billion valuation.
Posted by: Robert Rosenthal | March 20, 2008 at 08:09 PM