Are Companies Buying Friends On Facebook?

Have you seen the latest JVC ad, “Like it to Win it”? Did you know this generated over 35,000 fans in just 30 days? The promotion requires Facebook users to “Like” the JVC page. Every day the company gives away a product which shows up on your wall and you are asked to click the “Like” button. Full disclaimer, I “Liked” the page, and the products, but haven’t won anything….yet!

Does this violate the Facebook policy, YES!!!! However, according to Dennis Yu, “Facebook requires that brands get approval in advance and spend at least $10k, which is what JVC did.” The company went from 1,000 fans to now having over 35,000 in just 30 days!

So let me get this right, if a company is willing to spend money to advertise on Facebook, they don’t have to follow the rules? Are companies able to buy our friendship? Is that right? Should a company that’s willing to spend money be able to break the rules?