Shanghaiist: You have received a super-poke from the Prime Minister

GracieLi

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:09:55 +0800

taihanasie - Wen Jiaobao isn't using the standard Facebook you and I are so there are much fewer risks involvded. This is a Facebook Page, where the "owner" controls all the content. They are designed for use by companies, artists, products and, yes, politicians. They can be set up to be 100% moderated for visitor content. Another thing about Facebook Pages is that you can view them even if you are not a member of Facebook. You'll notice that you don't actually have the option of becoming the PM's friend, you get to become his FAN or SUPPORTER. Pages are designed to make social networking sites more easily accessible to marketers and to encourage companies to use their marketing dollars through pay per click or pay per impression marketing. A fairly exhaustive guide to Pages can be downloaded here if you are looking for more information: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=12261944821 So sadly, no superpoking Mr. Wen, but its still a very interesting comment on how the current government, the rise of Web 2.0 and social networking sites like Facebook.

taihanasie

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:13:16 +0800

At first glance, this seems like an ideal way to bring the PM to the people and make him look hip. When you really think about it, it is a really stupid idea. This is because Facebook has so many little things built into it that allows users to to be critical. "Kick" the PM, "headbut" him, tag unflattering photos of him, write nasty things on his wall, etc. The PM could get around most of this by not accepting any Facebook special functions. But that would make his Facebook profile a bit too out of touch with the Facebook crowd. What is the point of having a Facebook profile if you can't actively participate with the Facebook community, but how can a PM, even one who is obviously not the active contributor, professionally contribute? The only way I can conceive this is if this is a prank. In that case, someone is impersonating the PM, which is undoubtedly against Facebook's rules. I can't go online and say I am Michael Jackson (not that I would want to) if I am not Michael Jackson.

McLustin

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:51:26 +0800

Yes, there are already detractors. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33088052344

Bumix

Wed, 28 May 2008 19:38:15 +0800

Maybe the page was created by a westerner! Then the Chinese can do nothing about it being vandalized. Unless Mr. Zuckerberg gets a visit by the CIA or something suggesting him to take it down. :)

skyline5k

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:47:18 +0800

once it spreads around the western facebook crowd, I imagine it'll either be shut down or facebook will get blocked. Already some "Free Tibet" posts on there. Should we be taking wagers on how long it'll last?

Derek Sandhaus

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:30:54 +0800

The picture is actually courtesy of Wee Ling Soh. She claims to not have Facebook, but this is strong evidence to the contrary. This photo adds lying to her list of offenses (which previously included curry hording and taking indecent pictures of other people's feet).

James Creegan

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:24:23 +0800

Hey Derek- you've got mail!