Facebook Part 2

The Wall Street Journal
"Facebook Taps Time Warner Executive From Time Warner"
By Geoffrey A. Fowler

A few weeks ago, Facebook announced that it would partner with Time Warner to offer movies on the site for a price around $3. It is still working out the details; but right now, the site is offering "The Dark Knight." 


With this latest announcement, Facebook has created a new position and has hired Mark D'Arcy from Time Warner Inc.'s Global Media Group to fill the position. In May, Mark will begin working to increase the appeal of Facebook's advertisement offerings. Facebook wants businesses to incorporate the social-networking site in their marketing campaigns, so Mark and his team will work together to formulate new promotion ideas that will help make these businesses more aware of the benefits for working with Facebook. He wants to show these advertisers how to use the power of Facebook in such a way that tells a story for advertisers and their brands. Facebook wants to add value to the audience and stay away from advertisements that get in the way or annoy customers. 


As of right now, the team is looking at ways for advertisers to use Facebook users' profile content like birthdays and photos as a way to be more interactive. Another goal of Mark D'Arcy is to work with the music, television, and film industries to better their experience and relationship with the social-networking site. Facebook representatives say that marketing is more engaging and effective when it is social by design. They know that Mark D'Arcy was the experience and personality to help further Facebook and the brands and agencies that advertise on the site. 


In theory, I think this is a great idea. Facebook is a social-networking site that keeps users surfing the content for hours everyday. This new position will create a sense of unity and offer a common location or "point person," which will take the advertising section of this site to the next level. In reality, I don't know how effective it will be. The company is taking steps in the right direction to further its name and the experience, but the question is this: will consumers play their part in this process? Do viewers use the site for specific reasons like communicating with friends? Is there a way to advertise that really catches users' eyes and makes them subconsciously choose to purchase the product or utilize the service? 


It definitely helps the cause by addressing the annoying advertisements that "jump" off the page by getting in the way of the site's actual content. From personal experience, this technique definitely puts a bad taste in my mouth and slows down my Internet experience. Facebook promises to create an advertisement system that is positive for everyone involved. I also think it was a wise choice to hire someone who comes from Time Warner. This helps the communication process and transitional period run smoothly since Facebook and Time Warner are working together on another new venture by offering movies on Facebook. 


At this point, who knows what will really happen in the next few months and years for Facebook. Will a new social media empire arise, or will Facebook capture the dominate our time and relationships for many generations to come?