Internet Marketing Tycoon

#1 (permalink)

Since it is obvious MySpace reads the posts on this forum (it is the only place we promoted our FriendAutomator software before we got their C&D), I have a request for them: create a legitimate channel for small businesses to advertise on MySpace through direct marketing.

When we promoted one of our sites through MySpace, we did searches to laser target our message to users who had a specific educational/professional background and tried to send a small number of requests to these people. Over half of the people we requested became our friends. The vast majority of "MySpace Marketing" is really small businesses/websites trying to promote themselves the same way that bands are allowed to on the site. We created a bot only to automate the processes we had done manually to promote our own site for other bands and small businesses.

Here is my suggestion: use a model similar to JigSaw.com to allow people to purchase credits that allow them to send friend requests. Charge enough to discourage bulk marketing (say $0.05/request) and limit the number of free friend requests to 25-30/day (to prevent unauthorized marketing). That would instantly stop the bulk untargeted SPAM and generate a TON of incremental revenue from the MySpace site.

Finally, disable HTML in messages and comments. This is a no-brainer. The account that MS disabled when they sent me the C&D is still receiving TONS of SPAM comments (and worse) that I cannot delete because I cannot access my account. There is no legitimate reason to allow HTML comments; they are nothing but SPAM.

#2 (permalink)

Horrible idea. This would not only block the MAJORITY of their users from posting the real pictures they took at the "club" or the "beach" etc etc in comments. But more importantly, who would "pay for friends." Especially say 5 cents per friend request not even guranteeing that they become your friends. Obviously the limits they have placed is perfect. They are doing well monitoring the comment links now by doing the msplinks.com/(randomhere).

#3 (permalink)

if you think that the only thing html in comments is good for is spam, you clearly don't use myspace for anything OTHER than promoting. :/

if individual users want to disable html, they can do that. if you like pictures and other pretty comments, then you can have them. perfect, everybody's happy.

#4 (permalink)

Until MySpace cancelled my personal account, I used them all the time. Now, I primarily use Facebook for my personal communications. I do not miss the loss of HTML comments at all. 90+% of the HTML comments I got were SPAM and most of the others were very big and unsightly images from friends who got them from myspace support sites. I could certainly have done without those.

#5 (permalink)

well, a simple answer would have been to turn off YOUR OWN html, then.

or not have actual friends that spam you. :/ that would be another way to go.