So, I saw a new feature for Facebook on a Wired blog this morning.  Being an avid Facebook user, I was intrigued by this added element to the site.  My first thought was, "Great, tack on another useless hour that I'm on Facebook."  (which is exactly what they intended)

In the blog, Michael Calore writes:

"I like the idea of having instant, real time access to my Facebook friends, but I don't want to spend a lot of time on Facebook. Also, I may want to log into Facebook without having to deal with incoming chats -- or the threat of them -- at all. But it's not likely, since Facebook has been rather open about its intention to make the site the hub of our online social lives. The reason they launched chat is to keep people using Facebook for longer periods of time."

For me, this is the key.  Most people, including myself, are already spending a LOT of time on Facebook.  The last thing we want, is to spend more.  From a business standpoint, Facebook wants users there longer, enriching their experience, making it more appealing for advertisers.

But at the end of the day, are people really engaging with advertiser messages on Facebook?  I know I don't click on sponsored links, unless it is absolutely catered to a specific need/want that I have.  Nine times out of ten, I'll see an ad on facebook that says "Travel in Switzerland?  Click here for discounts", and I'll go to Google to compare travel sites. 

I want to make my own decisions, not have someone tell me what is the best option.  I have the tools to find out on my own.  And when I go to Google, I'm going to trust the most relevant, topical and recent content I find.

If you want to enhance people's experience with your business or brand, you need to be standing there with relevant content when they come searching.  Blogs will change your business.