Does Facebook have a right to monetise its users conversations?

The value of Facebook and other social media networks as advertising platforms has been called into question after P&G marketing chief, Ted McDonnell, said it was "arrogant" to monetise the popularity of these websites.

Is McDonnell right? Or is he is out of step with the media habits of consumers today? Are his views shared by other large advertisers? Is McDonnell right to question the ethics behind advertisers who seek to engage with consumers on social media networks?

Social networking sites such as Facebook are providing a service to users. They allow us to communicate to people on the other side of the world instantly, and for free. 

These sites must generate revenue to be able to continue providing that service. If the advertising is not too intrusive, then I think it is perfectly legitimate to have it on the site.

 I  think that the only way they should advertise on social site is by banner or logos advertising or similar. Not intruding into people's conversations!

What kind of a person breaks up with their girlfriend via Facebook anyway?!

I think this guy's a little out of touch...

While I agree that brands need to be very careful about how they approach marketing on the social networking platforms, at the end of the day advertising is what keeps social networks free for the consumer, in a not too dissimilar way to how the search engines do it.

 That is a good point.  I am sure that most people will prefer to use the sites for free even if it means some advertising.

I think anyone that divulges lots of personal information to a commercial media owner and doesn't expect it to be used for advertising is being a bit naive. Clearly, a delicate balance needs to be struck between privacy and Facebook's need to generate a profit from what it offers people, but if you feel protective about your personal information you should opt out by not signing up. I don't mind advertisers targetting me. I get something back.

 Farcebook has the 'right' to monetize yo ass - and any other part of you or your brain.

I suggest you read the T&Cs very carefully ! ;-)
 

Farcebook really is web surveillance 2.0 - it exists only to draw information from it's user base - what they do with that information, and what they have the right to do with that info - is all in the T&C's.

I think you even grant them the right to 'monitor' your communications using other applications - outside of farcebook.

- Still if it allows me to post pictures of myself being very popular, silly & drunk - I think it's well worth the trade off :-D

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- also AFAIK - they are very many millions away from break even point - so expect plenty of 'monetization' to come, and fair enough - because we all have granted them the right.
 

 I never knew that as I did not really read the T&C's which I  am sure that not many people do :).

I think if you are sensible you will try not to share any personal information on that site, and if you do so you will able to happily enjoy the benefits it offers :)

Hell yes it does!!

This is a service that I quite enjoy - as we grow up and move on, we can stay in touch with the people who helped to make us who we are. If the information that I choose to put on my profile is sold on, my bad! I should only post limited info if I am very concerned.

As for placing ads on the network, having looked at the system, you don't really get intrusive on peoples conversations, they just use an AdCenter-type algo to identify keywords on your page that advertisers are bidding on - the same as PPC 'Content' network advertising - and serve you ads you may be interested in.

Yes they have a lot of user information - so does any website that maintains a good database and investigates server logfiles / web stats correctly. It's not a given that they will use this to do a Pinky & the Brain act on us. I hope :p

 One of thems a genius the other one's insane ! :-D

One of thems a genius the other one's insane ! :-D

That's the idea I think... :~D

I agree, many companies you come accross, especially the ones where you have to register will keep your details.  As long as they don't misuse them it does not bother me too much.

 If Facebook could not advertise how else would they make money???