Whitehouse.gov re-launches using open source code
It may not be too surprising that after Barack Obama’s cunning use of the Internet to raise campaign finances, he decided to re-launch Whitehouse.gov with open source code. What does that mean? Read on…

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How to spam Facebook like a pro
Spammers are like Internet porn, they are the clever ones leading the way for advertisers to figure out how to make money off of the Internet. Have a look at this insider confession to find out how they do it:

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Scam Alert! How Popular Facebook applications like Mafia Wars and Farmville cheat cash from users
Again, the Internet porn pioneers blaze the trails for other scammers to make a quick buck. It has taken on many forms. “Text 3264 to X to get your free ringtone.” Then when you check your phone bill, you find out that you’ve been signed up for a recurring charge. Here’s how it typically works on Social Media Apps — you’re offered in-game currency in exchange for filling in a survey. At the end, you are told that they will text you the results. When you give them your number, BAM, you’re signed up for a $9.99/month recurring charge.

Don’t be fooled, read more…

Social Economy
In an aside to the previous article in this post on scams, let’s take a look at some  companies that thrive on scams. Facebook analytics site Adonomics gives us a peek at the valuation and daily active users of the top 100 app developers. There are 4.6 million daily active users and a valuation of $122 million for Farmville and Mafia Wars developer Zynga. Who said you can’t make money off of social networking?

See the numbers yourself.

Fun with comments: Walmart Caskets
Walmart recently announced that it would be selling caskets online. Funny enough in itself, but the hilarity ensues when people decided to leave funny product reviews and comments on the Walmart Web site. It should be a lesson to those just starting to brave the social media waters. You have to protect your brand. Don’t just watch the numbers, you have to listen to what people are saying.

See what happened