2.0

Who knows? What do we know? I already discussed the power of Youtube in my previous post and told you about its great potential. Youtube is simple, hot and not to forget …it’s owned by Google. But they’re not the only hot shots in town. Let’s not forget about Facebook! And at the sideline there’s Twitter, Myspace and Yahoo as well. So here are some of the facts:

Google:

• Number 1 search engine in the world
• Succesful owner of: Gmail, Youtube, Chrome, Blogspot, Picasa AND Google Maps/ Earth/ Docs/ Books/ Alerts/ Analytics… (damn that’s a sh*tload)
• Not so succesful owner of: Google Wave, Google Buzz, Google chat (in Gmail)
• Current Projects: Google Games and a BIG wind farm
• Makes $ 2,5 billion/year through advertising
• Worth: $ 192.9 billion

Facebook

• Number 1 social networking site
• Successfully luring several Google executives
• Loved even more since the release of The Social Network
• Makes $ 2 billion/year through advertising
• Worth: $ 41 billion

Ok, ok … but WHAT happened?
Well it’s quite simple, no one likes competition. Facebook has been growing rapidly and is taking over the internet two steps at a time. When Google asked to share their data, Facebook declined. They didn’t want anyone else nosing through their data. But Google isn’t some kid, sitting around waiting for his balls to drop. “You’re not sharing info? That’s cool, so we’re cutting you off as well.”

Now about a week ago, Facebook announced that they were planning to start Facebook mail, a direct slap in the face of Google and Yahoo. Considering this is Google’s core business, they had to counter attack: a 10% salary increase of ALL Google employees + $1000 Cash Bonus. Secondly, they’ve decided to hire about 2000 more employees to spice things up a bit.

And last but certainly not least, they’ve been working on a project called Google Me for a long time now.Supposedly this should be the “Facebook killer“. Although it looks more like an act of desperation to me, it’s too early to judge. Google even tried to buy Twitter earlier this year for a lousy $ 2.5 billion, which isn’t even half of what they payed for Youtube 4 years ago. Facebook has just announced that they’re going to join forces with Myspace, a project called Mashup. Michael Jones (Myspace) already mentioned a while back that it’s impossible for them to compete with Facebook. I guess “If you can’t beat them, join them” is suited for this occasion.

Now I’m pretty satisfied with Gmail myself and I’m certain there are tons of satisfied Yahoo Mail and Hotmail users out there right now. So why Facebook Mail?

First of all… it’s not just e-mail. Facebook wants to create a platform where all e-mail, texting  and chat is gathered in one place. What else?

• Control e-mail through privacy settings, so no unwanted messages possible.
• No need for a subject or other formalities.
• Conversations are organized by sender.

Will this work?

My first reaction: No. I mean when I saw The Social Network, I loved Zuckerberg’s sense of humor and his innovative ideas. But  Facebook just created this to increase its influence over the web. Now I know that me using all the Google software does the same thing, but I’m already bound to them and I’m too lazy to fight The Man. Changing mail service looked superfluous at the time. Until I saw their video… I’ve got to hand it to them: Facebook knows how to convince and how to tell a story. I was pretty sceptical at first and yet they convinced me in 4 minutes. How? Am I that easy? (giggity) Yes and No.

I don’t think this video is in need of any further improvement. The presentation is simple yet genius. A normal person, just like you and me is sitting there, telling a story. No fancy special effects or animations, just a story. It actually reminds me of something Thomas told me a while back: “Sometimes it’s better to go back to the basics”. And that’s just what they did. An excellent video, combined with a soothing soundtrack. Eventually they finished with some fine storytelling, a very short story, but something you can relate to and just warms your heart.

When the video ended,  I had a smile on my face and couldn’t stop thinking “They’re right”. So I guess they won, but it’s a win well deserved in my book. Now we’ll have to wait and see if they can actually deliver…

Interested in an @ Facebook account? You should be able to request one here, but it can take a while before you actually get the invitation.