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Get Facebook WiFi for your business

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Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#31

Post by zuckerfap »

jasonlfunk wrote: post #21
sergiotapia wrote: post #14

Absolutely disgusting. These type of things just give me the willies. Everyday I see that Mr. Stallman was right, it's incredible!

Why is this "absolutely disgusting"? It's good for Facebook, it's good for local businesses, and it completely optional for consumers. I don't see any problem here.

Just like all other "optional" features Facebook has provided in the past, they will inevitably figure out a way to hide the fact that using these hotspots checks you in, and probably spams your "friends" with a record of whatever you ate.

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#33

Post by objclxt »

ar7hur wrote: post #23

First I thought that FB would provide the hardware and internet connection to the business in exchange for so much information about their customers... But after reading their FAQ, I realize that no, FB does not provide anything. The deal is like "give me your customer info and your internet connection, I'll give you... maybe a few more likes on your page". Eventually for consumers like me who don't use FB, it's goin…

> Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access.

Check-in isn't required to get access. My local coffee shop switched over to a Facebook WiFi point over the weekend (Phillz, who have a branch in Menlo Park so I assume must be piloting it). All that really changed for me as an end user was the old splash page got replaced with a Facebook page asking me if I'd like to check-in (along with a button to skip check in, which I used).

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#34

Post by daeken »

zuckerfap wrote: post #31
jasonlfunk wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why is this "absolutely disgusting"? It's good for Facebook, it's good for local businesses, and it completely optional for consumers. I don't see any problem here.

Just like all other "optional" features Facebook has provided in the past, they will inevitably figure out a way to hide the fact that using these hotspots checks you in, and probably spams your "friends" with a record of whatever you ate.

> they will inevitably figure out a way to hide the fact that using these hotspots checks you in

Using the hotspots doesn't check you in; checking in allows you to use the hotspot. Seriously, read the page before spewing FUD.

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#35

Post by zuckerfap »

pathy wrote: post #15

There are privacy concerns but overall I think it is a splendid idea, both for Facebook and for the businesses that choose to join. Your run of the mill free wifi is neither secure nor private to begin with and I don't see Facebook Wifi encroaching on privacy any more than currently available free wifi.

Do you honestly believe facebook won't look for and find ways to encroach on privacy more than currently available free wifi does? Their entire mission is to encroach on privacy, and now they've got you connecting to their wifi hotspots at the gynecologist's office.

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#36

Post by ar7hur »

objclxt wrote: post #33
ar7hur wrote: post #23

First I thought that FB would provide the hardware and internet connection to the business in exchange for so much information about their customers... But after reading their FAQ, I realize that no, FB does not provide anything. The deal is like "give me your customer info and your internet connection, I'll give you... maybe a few more likes on your page". Eventually for consumers like me who don't use FB, it's goin…

> Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access. Check-in isn't required to get access. My local coffee shop switched over to a Facebook WiFi point over the weekend (Phillz, who have a branch in Menlo Park so I assume must be piloting it). All that really changed for me as an end user was the old splash page got replaced with a Facebook page asking me if I'd like to check-in (along…

So you don't even need to log in to Facebook?

Even if that's the case, I'm afraid this will be tempting for the business to require check-in. Let's see if Phillz changes their settings!

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#37

Post by mbillie1 »

zuckerfap wrote: post #26
mseebach wrote: post #13

This is a pretty good idea. It solves the coordination problem of not wanting to just provide free wifi forever to anyone by requiring a token "payment". It solves the identification problem which (unfortunately) is a requirement in many jurisdictions. And it helps non-technical business owners provide decent wifi.

There's nothing decent about WiFi that links your customers to the creepiest personal info vacuum on earth.

Meh. Just filter what you put on Facebook, or don't use it. I'm not in favor of this, and I do find it creepy, but nobody holds a gun to your head and makes you log in and post status updates recapping your day. It's a trade off - the pleasure/whatever you get from FB vs the creepiness/unpleasantness from them having your information. If the balance tips, re-evaluate using the service.

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#38

Post by rexreed »

mseebach wrote: post #13

This is a pretty good idea. It solves the coordination problem of not wanting to just provide free wifi forever to anyone by requiring a token "payment". It solves the identification problem which (unfortunately) is a requirement in many jurisdictions. And it helps non-technical business owners provide decent wifi.

What sort of problem is this exactly solving? People seem to get at Wifi no problem at all. Just wander into any Starbucks around 4PM, especially in New York or any major metro and you'll see hordes of people accessing wifi. Is it crowded? Sure? But this doesn't solve that problem. This just eliminates some login steps and provides value to the provider of the wifi.

Do you feel that trading in your privacy to simplify the login problem (and allow you to avoid actually paying the people whose space you are occupying when you use their power and wifi and restroom and hvac) is worth it? It isn't for me, and so I ask, what problem is it solving?

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#39

Post by chaz »

mseebach wrote: post #13

This is a pretty good idea. It solves the coordination problem of not wanting to just provide free wifi forever to anyone by requiring a token "payment". It solves the identification problem which (unfortunately) is a requirement in many jurisdictions. And it helps non-technical business owners provide decent wifi.

> And it helps non-technical business owners provide decent wifi.

And a more direct, measurable reason to providing wifi. I'm sure if they don't already, they will provide metrics on checkins and impressions from them. Will help FB get future ad spend from them once they are seeing results. Very clever.

Re: Get Facebook WiFi for your business

#40

Post by jmathai »

objclxt wrote: post #33
ar7hur wrote: post #23

First I thought that FB would provide the hardware and internet connection to the business in exchange for so much information about their customers... But after reading their FAQ, I realize that no, FB does not provide anything. The deal is like "give me your customer info and your internet connection, I'll give you... maybe a few more likes on your page". Eventually for consumers like me who don't use FB, it's goin…

> Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access. Check-in isn't required to get access. My local coffee shop switched over to a Facebook WiFi point over the weekend (Phillz, who have a branch in Menlo Park so I assume must be piloting it). All that really changed for me as an end user was the old splash page got replaced with a Facebook page asking me if I'd like to check-in (along…

It's not required but let's be honest - it'll be what happens.

Pretty sure the average person would rather "check in" via Facebook than using the current "click this checkbox and continue".

People trust and like Facebook. They don't trust or like GogoBoingo Wireless.

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