GLOBAL, OCTOBER 2010 – Facebook’s connectivity has been a cause of concern for its users. It has had its own attempts to connect its users with advertisers, methods that have often backfired as users freaked out over privacy. Their most recent feature, Facebook Places, allows users to reveal where they are via mobile phone, and to connect them with other friends in the area.
German agency Jung von Matt/Neckar has used the features of Places to penetrate the competition, mere days before Places was unraveled for the German market. Using a fake U.S. IP address, the agency used the Places feature to get into contact with people inside competing agencies.
"“First! Want to join? Check in at www.jvm-neckar.de/jobs, we are hiring.” " says one message. “Hi, from the trojan horses inside. Want to join? Check in at www.jvm-neckar.de/jobs, we are hiring.” reads another.
Jung von Matt/Neckar said that the aggressive recruitment scheme was meant to be noticed by high-profile digital creatives, and of course, to tell other agencies that they are faster than them. Mission accomplished on their part, no matter how wary the reception.
Should agencies be worried? Not so. Places is still there, but it is by default, turned off until checked otherwise.
[via Creativity]
