Facebook Connect

Commenting on Red Bull Site - Facebook Connect

Facebook deployed the Connect functionality late in 2008.  This functionality allows web sites to key off of Facebook’s social network.  For example, Red Bull’s web site allows me to register with a click on a button labeled “Facebook Connect”.  Once registered all of my Facebook friends are notified that I am now connected to the Red Bull site.  Every time I comment on the Red Bull site all my Friends on Facebook are notified.  Facebook also records what sites I am registered on for their ad targeting — more Red Bull coupons for me!

Thoughts:

- This is genius.

- If you have a web site that allows users to post comments then add this functionality now.

- This reminds me of the ewallet craze of yesteryear.  The idea was an ubiquitous service that kept your credit card info safe and usable on any site.  The idea didn’t take off because sites wanted to control their own user experience.  Facebook connect may be different — opening a new age of cross site cooperation.

- The more Facebook connects to your life the more information they know about you and the more than can hyper-target advertising to you.  I see a day when I buy a beer by scanning my cell phone at the bar — which instantly posts a message on my Facebook that I’m at Baron’s Beefhouse with a Weyerbacher in front of me.  Honey, I’ll be home late tonight.