Facebook tests charging $1 to send messages to strangers

[Jazzy]

Facebook has begun a trial which allows users to pay $1 to send messages direct to people who are not their friends.



The fee will mean messages go straight to a recipient's inbox rather than the Other folder which contains all unsolicited correspondence.



The trial is only for a small number of people and is initially being tested just in the US.



Users will be able to receive a maximum of one paid-for message per week, and no more than three each month.



Several commentators and researchers have noted that imposing a financial cost on the sender may be the most effective way to discourage unwanted messages and facilitate delivery of messages that are relevant and useful, the site said in a statement.



For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their inbox.



On Facebook, users can already send messages to anyone else on the network. However, depending on a user's privacy settings, messages from users who are not friends mostly end up in the Other folder.



This folder, which is separate from the user's main inbox, often goes unchecked.



The $1 charge will mean messages will go straight to a user's inbox. Facebook said the level of cost is likely to prevent spam or irrelevant messages.

Source



Would you pay $1 to send a stranger a message?

 

[Evil Eye]

Why would I send a stranger a message?

 

[Jazzy]

Why would I send a stranger a message?

From the article:

For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their inbox.

 

[Flurry]

Hell no I wouldn't. This is just another stupid idea. Hell it would make it hard for me to contact Comic makers on there to see about getting a chance to review their books.

 

[Bluezone777]

Why would I send a stranger a message?

So the stranger can just throw it away while Mark Zuckerberg's wallet gets a little fatter.

 

[Evil Eye]

So the stranger can just throw it away while Mark Zuckerberg's wallet gets a little fatter.

Thought as much.

From the article:

But that's what email is for.