My take on the Starbucks "controversy": It's entirely fabricated

My conspiracy theory for the week: The Starbucks red cup "controversy" is entirely fabricated. Aside from Joshua Feuerstein (a guy no one had even heard of until this thing got started, and who I'm not entirely convinced isn't a character created by comedian Kevin James), not one professing Christian has complained about Starbucks. The only complaints I have seen are from those complaining about those who are complaining...who don't even exist. It's like starting a nationwide protest campaign aimed at unicorn poachers. You gotta love social media.

It is often said that any publicity is good publicity. And if New Coke worked for Coca-Cola in 1985, "anti-Christmas" cups will work for Starbucks in 2015.

Your Facebook history in a personalized, one-minute video

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Facebook has created a video highlighting each users' activity since they joined the social media network. To see your own Facebook story, go to Facebook.com/lookback. Enjoy!

The problem with Facebook

The following video from Derek Muller offers an interesting perspective on the popular social media site:


From the video's description:

Facebook is a complex ecosystem of individuals, creators, brands and advertisers, but I don't think it serves any of these groups particularly well because its top priority is to make money. Now, I don't think making money is a bad thing, in fact I hope to make some myself. The problem is the only way Facebook has found to make money is by treating all entities on the site as advertisers and charging them to share their content.

This business plan backfires because 1) not all entities ARE advertisers and 2) it was the content from these people, specifically friends, family, and creators that made the site worth visiting in the first place. Now the incentives are misaligned:

• individuals want to see great content, but they are now seeing more paid content and organically shared content which appeals to the lowest common denominator (babies, weddings, and banal memes)
  
• creators want to reach fans but their posts are being throttled to force them to pay to be seen
  
• brands and advertisers have to pay once to advertise their page on Facebook, and then pay again to reach the people who have already liked their page. Plus Facebook is not a place where people generally go to buy things.

Facebook stands in contrast to other social media like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram where all content is shared with all followers.

Facebook responsible for most accurate NFL fandom map ever

Thanks to data collected from Facebook, we now have the most accurate map showing the geographic fan base locations of each NFL team:

That should silence all those who think social media sites are just a waste of time.

Real Facebook Ads #011

So, is the cost of the ear tattoo included in the tuition price?

Unfriending on Facebook leads to arson

From the Des Moines Register:

The alleged motive in a Des Moines arson case is tied to actions on Facebook, a social networking site, according to police.

Detectives have arrested Jennifer Christine Harris, 30, of Des Moines, on a charge of first-degree arson. She is being held in the Polk County Jail on $100,000 bond.

The fire broke out in a garage at the Jim and Nikki Rasmussen residence, 2351 E. 40th Court on Oct. 27. ...

... A police report says that when an officer asked Nikki Rasmussen about Jen Harris, Rasmussen said "...the two are no longer friends due to a dispute over Facebook. According to Nikki, Jen is angry with her because she ended their friendship on Facebook."

This may convince me to make the switch to Google+.

Real Facebook Ads #010

Tammy Faye?

Real Facebook Ads #009

Why do I get the feeling that this involves swallowing something inflatable?

Real Facebook Ads #008

No catch. Really. Just "like" this and you'll get a dream home with 4,453 neighbors.

Facebook symbols

The following symbols can be easily incorporated into your Facebook status updates, messages, and conversations...

Simply click here and begin copying and pasting.

Real Facebook Ads #007

Apply where to what schools where?

Real Facebook Ads #006

No, my criminal arrest records are not publicly viewable, so how did you get my mug shot?!

Real Facebook Ads #005

Sorry, but I don't trust any armour that isn't made by a real medieval blacksmith.

Real Facebook Ads #004

I may be an adult, but I'm not all that mature, and being "descret" was never my strong suit.

Real Facebook Ads #003

You mean I could look like an athletic woman in her twenties? Where do I sign up?

Real Facebook Ads #002

Why, yes, I would like to avoid the heartache and lawyer fees that go along with saving my marriage!

Real Facebook Ads #001

This olive oil isn't from just any farmer in Tuscany; it's from the only farmer in Tuscany.