DISQUS

Interesting point about the extended API features. I'd love to see them give access to messages, and give write access to the profile fields (interests) as well.

Oblivion seems inevitable for months of mine (and others) work. This is the right decision for Facebook though.

Cool. Looks like I need to get back up to speed on the MySpace platform, and port some of my apps there.

Ben, great post. I think there are two separate ideas here 1: "Facebook is for kids", and 2: "Only viral apps spread". Apps that are useful in a social context (like a friend quiz) can be successful even if they are less viral. "Just for fun" isn't necessarily the opposite of useful.

I do agree it is surprising that there is 10x more writing about the "Facebook is for kids" aspect. I also agree that having a viral coefficient > 1 is the whole game. But I've come to understand "utility" on a social network of personal connections means optimizing what you do with friends.

Yes, they should add email. Doing this would turn FB from a social network into a real *portal*. I think there was a web mail FB app, but witout API access to the existing private message features it is kind of pointless.

Hi Nick - I'm working with Max from Wishpot to try and create the "World's Largest Secret Santa" (http://apps.facebook.com/giftgroups/). We are going to match random people so they can send gifts (virtual or real) to each other. It is very simple, but a fun experiment.

The Secret Santa app also promotes my "Toy Chest" (http://apps.facebook.com/toychest/) app - which is seeing an upsurge in virtual gift sending due to the holidays.

- Adam

Virtual Canadian fried Chicken, I love it! I'm very jealous, we saw the beginnings of bartering months ago with Zuckerbucks, but with Acebuck's larger audience - it is interesting to see the greater variety of items.

Wow, you guys have been working really hard! Congrats on a cool proof of concept.

Somehow, I had missed this until just now. Thank you very much for the write-up!

- Adam

Well done Nick. I personally wish advertisements were completely personalized and customizable. And so far, my family too have been remarkably understanding of my nonsensical online personality.

I'm off to spam you with more Star Wars virtual gifts.

IMHO, even though the thought of trading virtual currencies seems a bit hokey, the proliferation of casual gaming on Facebook, and the young audience makes virtual currencies compelling.

Please check out Zuckerbucks (http://apps.facebook.com/zuckerbucks/). We’ve been around as long as Acebucks, and have a more complete feature set, including:

* API that any app developer can sign up for.
* Sponsored auctions where you can spend your Zuckerbucks for real-life products.
* Integrated “Profile Plot” virtual real-estate game
* Integrated market place where Zuckerbuckers are trading goods
* Integrated service provider directory

Thanks!

Hi Nick, thank you for writing about us! Currently, you can also earn Zuckerbucks by participating in an SEO contest and by trying out another app (with more partnerships to come). What is really interesting is watching Zuckerbuckers come up with their own ideas on how to earn bucks (forming groups, lottos, selling graphics, etc.). It will be fun to see how this plays out.