Where Faceboook Is Failing
For a company that unquestionably possesses one of the world's largest and most valuable storehouses of digital data, Facebook isn't making much of what it has available to users.
Look at the Netflix deal. Virtually none of the aggregated data about what Facebook members like (or dislike) most is available to everyday users. Fool contributor Tim Beyers says he's privy only to a snapshot of what some of his Facebook friends are watching at any given time. That's a sharp contrast to the rich data available through GetGlue, a social network where users "check in" to TV shows and movies and that tracks the top shows, Tim says in the following video.
What's unclear at this point is whether Facebook is hoarding data or if it's Netflix that hasn't figured out a way to take advantage of the information subscribers are sharing via Facebook. Either way, it's a missed opportunity for both companies -- and for tens of millions of users looking for ways to improve their Netflix experience. Expect them to turn to GetGlue or Netflix's new "Max" recommendation engine instead, Tim says.
Do you agree? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then let us know if your Facebook friends' viewing habits inform your Netflix choices.
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The article Where Faceboook Is Failing originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Tim Beyers is a member of the Motley Fool Rule Breakers stock-picking team and the Motley Fool Supernova Odyssey I mission. He owned shares of Netflix at the time of publication. He was also long Jan. 2014 $50 Netflix call options. Check out Tim's Web home and portfolio holdings, or connect with him on Google+, Tumblr, or Twitter, where he goes by @milehighfool. You can also get his insights delivered directly to your RSS reader.The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Facebook and Netflix. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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