I have a profile on Facebook that I don’t actively manage. Every now and then, I log in to see who has found me. Recently, I’ve logged in to see what new Apps my friends are sharing with me. My App-to-friend request ratio is now 2-to-1. Apparently I’m not that popular. Last May, Facebook announced they were opening up the Facebook API to developers. The intention was to provide something MySpace could not, user-generate applications that could be mass-distributed across a channel of eager, engaged audiences. People will try anything once with the combination of a credible, virus-free source and time to kill.
Facebook created documentation on how to create an application: http://developers.facebook.com/ . According to BBC News, today there are over 4,000 apps. While the Pirates vs. Ninjas Apps may be fun, there should be more unique, interesting, and engaging Apps to come…
On Tuesday, Facebook announced Incentivising App Development offering between $25,000 to $250,000 to develop applications. There will be multiple grants to come out of a $10 million pool gathered by Facebook’s primary backers Accel Capital and The Founders Fund (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7000403.stm). There are two stipulations, any firm that wins cannot have previously received any venture capital money, and Facebook is given first chance to invest in any successful company resulting in the grant scheme.So let the competition begin. Facebook will gain more consumer-generated content, get more consumer engagement, further differentiate their product offering from MySpace, and also become a breeding ground for talent and financial investment. Pretty smart…
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