Found on Mashable this morning:
Facebook is considering the launch of a local classifieds service, a source told Mashable. Under the proposed system, it would be free to list items in your own network, and cost a few dollars to post to each additional network. (…)
Facebook reportedly has low clickthroughs on ads, so it’s hardly surprising that they’d look to launch a classifieds service which will no doubt be popular with poor students. But it seems odd that they’d make it free: why not charge $1/posting, thus keeping out spam and guaranteeing a nice revenue stream? (…)
What it means: large social networks have reached critical mass and will be looking at additional revenue sources to improve their top and bottom-line. Classifieds are a natural extension as it’s one of the best way to monetize C2C (consumer-to-consumer) relationships.
Seb Provencher's Blog 
I agree with your analysis. Smart move on Facebook’s part. They continue to solicit user feedback and roll out features that add real value to users. More on my blog about how this might affect craigslist http://foroobar.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/rumor-facebook-to-launch-classifieds/
I agree with your analysis. Smart move on Facebook’s part. They continue to solicit user feedback and roll out features that add real value to users. More on my blog about how this might affect craigslist http://foroobar.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/rumor-facebook-to-launch-classifieds/
in-network focused commerce is a failing concept as repeatedly proved by Microsoft (expo.live.com) and MySpace. As a seller, why would you care that a buyer is one of the X other million members of this site?
Social networking can be harnessed to propel e-commerce, but must e wisely used. Take for example Gumiyo.com (http://www.gumiyo.com). When you post your item, you are presented with a one click experience to notify your friends, and they are presented with a one click experience to notify their friends and so on. Thus, creating the propagation effect of viral marketing regardless of the social network affiliation of each member.
in-network focused commerce is a failing concept as repeatedly proved by Microsoft (expo.live.com) and MySpace. As a seller, why would you care that a buyer is one of the X other million members of this site?
Social networking can be harnessed to propel e-commerce, but must e wisely used. Take for example Gumiyo.com (http://www.gumiyo.com). When you post your item, you are presented with a one click experience to notify your friends, and they are presented with a one click experience to notify their friends and so on. Thus, creating the propagation effect of viral marketing regardless of the social network affiliation of each member.