Facebook is reportedly attempting to extend its reach on the Web, enabling users to log into other websites using the Facebook credentials through a new program called Facebook Connect.

Working under relatively the same lines as Facebook’s exceptionally controversial Beacon program from last year Facebook users will be able to log onto sites using the same username and password they use for Facebook, and then their Facebook friends will be able to track what they do on those sites. For instance if I buy a sweater from an online retailer that information could then be published in my news feed on Facebook for all my friends to see.

Web sites that have currently signed up to join Facebook Connect include video site Hulu, the Discovery Channel, Digg, The San Francisco Chronicle, and the genealogy network Geni.

The idea behind the service is to share with your friends what you’re doing on the web. For instance if you read a great story in the paper you can share that with your Facebook friends, or if you see a great Web video you can invite friends to check it out as well.

No money exchanges hands between the companies and Facebook, the idea is that by connecting themselves they will mutually help each other and increase traffic across the board. The service is expected to be rolled out slowly, and with tons of privacy features so Facebook can avoid a backlash similar to what they received last year with Beacon.

What do you think about this?

I personally would like to see Facebook just stay Facebook. If I read something I want to share or frankly buy something I think people should know about then I can already post the link to the website or item in question into my news feed for friends to see. While making that whole process a little more functional would be nice, I also feel like I would constantly feel like I was being advertised to. Truth is told I couldn’t care less where most of my friends shop for clothing, and while I like to read interesting stories and check out videos friends’ post I really enjoy that my friends at least seem to keep that to a minimum.

Facebook Connect. Good Idea? Bad Idea?

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Entry was posted on Sunday, November 30th, 2008 at 1:03 am under Social Media.

Read more entries by Emily Price.
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