"Maybe Google will follow suit and allow developers to embed their applications in Google too?" I am sure they are considering something along those lines. Th

"Maybe Google will follow suit and allow developers to embed their applications in Google too?" I am sure they are considering something along those lines. The main problem they will face is how to create a viral system of distribution for these applications that can be as effective as the Facebook feeds. "You don't think you're overselling an API just a little?" It's about the precedent that Facebook has just set by opening up its doors to the world, allowing outside "add-ons" not even affiliated directly with FB to generate revenue through FB. "the new Facebook Platform is a dramatic leap forward for the Internet industry." - Marc Andreessen Of course it is, if you don't realize it, you just aren't creative enough to imagine the applications that will revolutionize the Industry. I'm not necessarily saying that Facebook will be the social network that can appeal to 90% of Internet users, but that is what they are betting on. Eventually everyone who uses the Internet will be interacting in a "social network", why? because its a more efficient way to share information. I think MZ realized that there are so many people with so many amazing, revolutionary ideas, it would not be possible to try and incorporate all of their brilliant ideas. Instead, he decided to open it up and bet on the fact that these entrepreneurs with revolutionary ideas would figure out ways to monetize these ideas through Facebook. Like MZ says, Everybody wins. Thats the precedent he is setting and that is why this year, leading up to Nov 2008 will be a year to remember. (remember there was no Youtube or Facebook in 2004)