Facebook's attempt to push location based services is so commercial its disgusting. I can't believe the service is partnered with McDonald's. Maybe it is just because I hate McDonald's so much.
AdAge is reporting that Facebook is expected to challenge popular startup Foursquare by offering location-based status updates for its users later this month. McDonald's is allegedly building an application with Facebook to allow users to check in at one of its restaurants and have a featured product appear in the post.
I bet it is not long before most people's daily experiences are paired with matching advertisements. I for one do not want to become an advertising venue ever. Moreover, its really unfair for anyone when you think it is in exchange for some fucking coupons. Think about how much advertising normally costs - this is a brilliant use of people on faceboo and McDonald's part. I guess it's that other people don't care so much but it seems pretty disgusting to me.
Whats next facebook, a strategic partnership with BP gas stations?
It's like the British colonial principle: divide and rule. All over again.
Ya but the sickest part is it will no longer be the company advertising to the people, it will be the people advertising to the people in exchange for coupons. Can you advertise cigarettes and alcohol on facebook?
This is so worrying. I recently read an article* that reported that the National Bureau of Economic Research has estimated that eliminating fast-food restaurant advertising to children would reduce the prevalence of obesity by 18%. Most people are constantly hooked on to facebook nowadays. Imagine how much more kid-targeting this new strategy represents.
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- If anyone is interested:
Chou S-Y et al. Fast-food restaurant advertising on television and its influence on childhood obesity. J Law Econ 2008;51(4):599-618.I just shared that on facebook.
I admit I don't get it all. I think who it really helps is people who are product loyal. Take me for example I Prefer Wedndy's and Burger King, but if they aren't around I'll hit up McDonalds's. There are many people though that love them and only go there for those people they now get a benefit. They aren't actors or famous so they would never be in an ad anyways. They love the food so they pass it along and get something for it.
I can admit I have no idea what that other company is. I'll use Mountain Dew as an example of the above. It is something that I like and I did post pictures of me drinking it on facebook, now what if that was part of the reward program where I got points for that, just like coke, pepsi and many other companies have had over the years..... If I was going to do it no harm anyways.
What I'm guessing they will turn this into is also a mobile app. You are driving or walking (say even in some city you have never been to) and You want those fries well the app tells you where the closet place is and how to get there.
I wonder if down the line someone decides to take this idea and make this work for any company. This way say spot coffee or mighty taco (or some local shop in some other city) wants they can use it for their customers. Cause lets face it if the cool kids are at spot then the non cool High School kids will want to go there. Then the punks will want to go to some other place maybe Tim Horton's , HA.
At the very least it will be interesting to see where this goes........