This is part one of a long term series exploring different aspects of the world's largest social networking site
Facebook- one of the things that that you love and hate at the same time. For every great gem of knowledge learned through this site, is 5 status updates from somebody who makes a lot of sandwiches in the same day. That's a topic for another day, but this article is going to take a quick glance at one of it's core sources of revenue- advertising.
I'm confident most Internet users notice how the "smart" ads have progressed over the years to reflect recent search queries, websites visited, and ads reflecting information in their profiles and browser cookies. These can be comical when very off-base, but most of the time work fairly well. Search for a new car, expect to see Toyota Corolla ads in your sidebar. Have your relationship status set to 'single', expect to see more dating website banners.
In the past few weeks, I have taken a more critical eye to what appears next to these sandwich posts. What I have previously dismissed as random, filler ads are promoting dangerous and curious behavior. The Apprisal (at this point in time) simply does not have the resources to peek behind the curtain at the grand scheme of things, but what you see below will raise questions of your own and at the least will be alarming.
Side note: A recent article on every body's favorite coupon site Groupon highlighted the quick expansion of their site. It's quick growth has surpassed Facebook's during the same time frame.
Example A: Ferrari Enzo
This is an actual ad that appeared on my facebook page. Based on it's contents, they concluded that
A. I like to pay little for car insurance (Correct!)
B. I am insanely rich (False!)
C. I drive something similar to a limited production, custom painted pink Ferrari Enzo (False!)
D. I can somehow insure a limited-production super car for $36/month even though 18-25 year old males are in the highest risk demographic for car insurance (Probably False!)
For someone unfamiliar with the Ferrari Enzo, it is a car of such limited run that although retailing for over $600K in 2002, money alone would not ensure you received a V12 super car with a carbon fiber body. You would have to be on a special list, mostly consisting of previous owners of other "top end" Ferrari's. Companies whom release products named after their founders (I.E. IBM Watson) usually try to put out a pretty good product. For this reason, this car cannot be had for less then typically $1 million USD.
Usually, a lot of decisions in life are governed by red flags. For example, if someone was inviting you into their unmarked white van with bloody hand prints on the outside.
Let's say you have the super car. Let's say you weren't satisfied with the factory paint job they did on the carbon fiber shell, and you had it painted something classy such as Kawasaki Ninja lime-green or Susan B. Komen pink. Let's even assume you are insuring this whip for over $40 a month. Well, did you know Jim Beam is now on facebook? That's right, not only are you paying too much to insure your 650 hp car-jet hybrid, but don't forget what your favorite whiskey is when you go for a little spin through the school zone.
Example B: Please Say the Baby
Criminals- They need to be locked up. Law Enforcement- They need people to lock up these criminals. That's where my-law-enforcement-degrees.info comes in. In as little as 18 months, you could be strapping up, kicking down doors, and arresting multi-platinum, Grammy winning artist Lil' Wayne. I'm not sure advertising the FBI and locking up a popular African-American artist is racist, but I have a hunch. At least pick somebody who isn't a celebrity. I'm sure you could find somebody with face-tats off that show Las Vegas Jailhouse on Tru-Tv or whichever channel they air it on. "CHAIR! CHAIR! CHAIR! CHAIR!"
My main problem with this ad, however, is inferring it is easy to lock up Lil' Wayne. He is very adamant that he is an alien, talks about guns and drugs constantly, and looks very scrappy and wiry. Let's just say I'm not kicking down his door anytime soon. If they throw up a picture of Bow Wow or Justin Bieber, they might be on to something. YOUNG MOOOLLAAAA BABY.
Bonus Round
This advertisement did not appear on Facebook, however I had to comment on it. This image is most certainly ripped from some unsuspecting person's facebook page. Should have set the 09-Winter Office Party album to private. Mortgage rates under 3.15%? Break out the Jagermiester and the LMFAO.
Side Note: Anytime I read "you probably qualify" my inner monologue read's "you probably don't qualify"
Thanks for reading, and please share on Facebook or however you send your peeps links.
It is worth noting that today is the last day to vote in the poll, so please do so! Also, a new poll will be up sometime this week.
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