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First I thought that FB would provide the hardware and internet connection to the business in exchange for so much information about their customers... But aft

by ar7hur 13y ago

First I thought that FB would provide the hardware and internet connection to the business in exchange for so much information about their customers... But after reading their FAQ, I realize that no, FB does not provide anything. The deal is like "give me your customer info and your internet connection, I'll give you... maybe a few more likes on your page". Eventually for consumers like me who don't use FB, it's going to be a loss of service. Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access. Sad.

objclxt 13y ago
> Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access. Check-in isn't required to get access. My local coffee shop switched over to a Facebook WiFi point over the weekend (Phillz, who have a branch in Menlo Park so I assume must be piloting it). All that really changed for me as an end user was the old splash page got replaced with a Facebook page asking me if I'd like to check-in (along with a button to skip check in, which I used).
- ar7hur 13y ago
  So you don't even need to log in to Facebook? Even if that's the case, I'm afraid this will be tempting for the business to require check-in. Let's see if Phillz changes their settings!
- jmathai 13y ago
  It's not required but let's be honest - it'll be what happens. Pretty sure the average person would rather "check in" via Facebook than using the current "click this checkbox and continue". People trust and like Facebook. They don't trust or like GogoBoingo Wireless.
  - oceanplexian 13y ago
    Actually I'd trust Boingo more than Facebook as a platform. They've been around since 2001, Facebook since 2004.
    - jmathai 13y ago
      I think if you go to the grocery store and ask people you'll find out otherwise.
    - lucb1e 13y ago
      That finally explains what that preinstalled crapware on my previous Asus laptop was. Never came across any hotspot with Boinggoboing though.
      - jmathai 13y ago
        I see them in airports...
STRiDEX 13y ago
A lot of business do pay for more likes on their pages. These likes are much more valuable as they are actual people that walked into/near the store. It also manages their free wifi by having an expiring token https://www.facebook.com/help/287034034776458 https://www.facebook.com/help/287034034776458

by ar7hur 13y ago

objclxt 13y ago

> Some businesses who had open Wifi will now require FB check-in to provide access. Check-in isn't required to get access. My local coffee shop switched over to a Facebook WiFi point over the weekend (Phillz, who have a branch in Menlo Park so I assume must be piloting it). All that really changed for me as an end user was the old splash page got replaced with a Facebook page asking me if I'd like to check-in (along with a button to skip check in, which I used).

ar7hur 13y ago
So you don't even need to log in to Facebook? Even if that's the case, I'm afraid this will be tempting for the business to require check-in. Let's see if Phillz changes their settings!
jmathai 13y ago
It's not required but let's be honest - it'll be what happens. Pretty sure the average person would rather "check in" via Facebook than using the current "click this checkbox and continue". People trust and like Facebook. They don't trust or like GogoBoingo Wireless.
- oceanplexian 13y ago
  Actually I'd trust Boingo more than Facebook as a platform. They've been around since 2001, Facebook since 2004.
  - jmathai 13y ago
    I think if you go to the grocery store and ask people you'll find out otherwise.
  - lucb1e 13y ago
    That finally explains what that preinstalled crapware on my previous Asus laptop was. Never came across any hotspot with Boinggoboing though.
    - jmathai 13y ago
      I see them in airports...

STRiDEX 13y ago

A lot of business do pay for more likes on their pages. These likes are much more valuable as they are actual people that walked into/near the store. It also manages their free wifi by having an expiring token https://www.facebook.com/help/287034034776458 https://www.facebook.com/help/287034034776458