As we've discussed, Facebook is becoming more common at work. And in many ways this is a good thing as people increase their social network ties.
However, Facebook isn't all "networking" as you well know. There are tons of applications on there and some of them are really catching on. Superpoke was the first one to get attention, and make the creators freaky rich. Now Scrabulous is getting a lot of attention---with 700,000 players a day!!! Personally, I love Scrabulous but have to limit myself to one move a day or it eats into work time. (OK, I *try* to limit myself).
The issues I see with Scrabulous is that we really don't know when technology is going to take off, we just can see when it has. We have a poor ability to predict the future. Second, who knew it would become such an active game/problem for employees! That's well beyond the educational group. Finally, how are traditional media supposed to deal with Facebook applications? Should the Hasbro shut down the site for copyright infringement? Or should they try to tap into the $25,000 A MONTH the game is bringing in. I, like one of the people in the story, actually bought a Scrabble game for my husband and me to play at home.
Your thoughts??
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5 comments:
This article is great because it does in fact recognize that facebook isnt all about networking. I think there are some great applications coming to life on facebook like political groups and support groups. However, I can see how these could pose problems in the work place. I definitely think facebook should just be blocked when in the workplace. I know for myself, I cant get on facebook at work because they put a block on the site. It really is just that simple. Also, as far as the gaming goes, I agree and disagee with facebook having these rights. I think its good for people who are at home and dont have games, who are just bored and maybe alone and have no one to play with, its great. But Hasbro should definitely have some rights as well, seeming how huge facebook is becoming its only fair. But again, I love this article in the fact it targets another group besides teens and young adults being addicted for networking when there is also another age group becoming addicted for OTHER reasons!!
I agree with Kylie. I think that Hasbro should have rights to some of the applications because their ideas are being stolen. Then again, I think a lot of the applications on facebook are nonsense. I work with Kylie, and yes facebook is blocked on our computers. Its stinks sometimes because we can't check it, but with all the applications, you wouldn't be able to concentrate on any work!
I certainly think Hasbro should be compensated in some way, but I don't think the application should be shut down. This is a classic case where a compromise is needed. The Facebook application has probably helped Hasbro more than it has hurt the company. However, the idea to make the application itself did not come from Hasbro, so both parties should benefit.
As far as Facebook at work. Before moving to Charlotte I worked for a company that was rated #1 in employee satisfaction by Fortune Magazine. Websites such as Facebook were purposely left accessible and the company would actually encourage it's workers to 'take a break' for 5-10 minutes. In their mind, the increased productivity from a 'fresh' perspective outweighed the risk of employees goofing off. Of course, we worked in very tight knit 2 or 3 person offices as well, so it became pretty evident if an employee wasn't pulling their weight.
This is off topic, but the Facebook applications concern me in terms of privacy. For Facebook developers, they receive all of your information that you give to Facebook (even if it's private on your profile). Legally, they're suppose to remove any information that isn't relevant. That's a lot of information about someone if you're wanting to steal an identity.
But to make it worse, not only do they receive all of your information, but the receive all of your friend's information as well.
Just thought everyone might find that interesting. I personally felt violated when learning of this.
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