For those who don’t feel connected enough through a variety of social networking sites, Google is introducing Friend Connect, a program designed to connect connectors, increase site traffic, and piss off Facebook. The Facebook team initially blocked Google from accessing their site, noting that Friend Connect might violate their privacy regulations. Depending on your perspective—if, for example, you’re not a Facebook executive—you may be inclined to find their objection to be less about privacy and more about control. And by “control” I mean money. Who, save Googlites, wants a bigger portion of the Internet controlled by Google?
More or less recognizing that privacy was not the main concern, Mark Zuckerberg backed off from the hostile reaction, noting that it was so not a big deal. And perhaps, he said, Google and Facebook could work something out, ideally involving Facebook making money.
I propose they solve the problem with Silicon Valley Ultimate Frisbee. (Note: This is a real thing.) What was once an innocent game where Apple could play Google and Yahoo could play Facebook would be far more competitive and productive with a bit of capitalism thrown in. You won’t see any cherry pickers on the field if the players’ livelihoods depend on catching a Frisbee.
