In a clear example of the asymmetry of power that now exists between Facebook and just about everyone else on the Web, check out the way The New York Times has handed a huge gift to the social networking giant: The Times is requiring that anyone who wants to be a “verified commenter” — and with that a higher form of commenting privileges — must a) have a Facebook account; and b) use that account for identity verification.
This is vastly, vastly better for Facebook than the Times. Given Facebook’s tendency to track what people do online whenever possible — something you can take for granted in this case, given the attractive (for marketers) demographics of Times readers — the company will gain deep insights into what these people read and buy.
What does the Times get? A bit of extra convenience, nothing more.
News organizations that use Facebook for login to comments and other features are unbelievably short-sighted. Which, of course, is absolutely nothing new.
What does the Times get? A bit of extra convenience, nothing more.
What does the Times get? A bit of extra convenience, nothing more.
welp. the times will hear from me about this, including an end to my subscription.
actually, i just noticed your publication date, mar 20. i have to say, i’ve commented on the times a few times since then and haven’t noticed the change you discuss. are you sure about this?
I’ll check back on this.
What was the outcome of this? Do they or don’t they require a facebook account?
Looks to me like they’re letting people still log in using non-FB accounts. I’m going to check with them to see what happened.