Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[As Expected, Smartphones and Social Networks Targeted by Malware]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/smartphones-social-networks-targeted-by-malware/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/smartphones-social-networks-targeted-by-malware/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/smartphones-social-networks-targeted-by-malware/#comments Facebook App As security firms have been warning for some time, malware attacks are now more frequently focused on social networks and mobile devices. In Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report, the company noted that the number of malware attacks delivered through the Web practically doubled from 2009, with 65-percent of malicious links on Facebook arriving in the form of shortened URLs. The company also took special care to highlight the growing field of smartphone-based attacks, in particular those targeting Android. Many of the pieces of Facebook and Android malware rely on the laziness of users. Apps must specifically request permissions, but many people simply click through the notifications without reading them carefully. And as time passes, the attacks will only become more sophisticated.

For now, attacks seem focused on harvesting personal data from profiles and sending text messages to premium services, which earn a commission for the scammer. But as users start turning to their cell phones for mobile banking and shopping more frequently, they're likely to become a much bigger target for digital crooks.

SwitchedAs Expected, Smartphones and Social Networks Targeted by Malware originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonesscamsecuritySocialNetworkingsymantectopMon, 11 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Strikes Deal to Create New Social Network in China]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/#comments baidui Facebook is reportedly working with China's largest search engine to create a new, jointly owned social network. The collaboration with Baidu would allow Facebook to get a foothold in the Chinese market while giving Baidu the chance to capitalize on Mark Zuckerberg's network-building expertise. The new site would still need to be approved by Chinese's Internet regulators, who retain final say on pretty much everything. And it definitely wouldn't be able to use the Facebook.com URL, which remains blocked throughout the mainland.

SwitchedFacebook Strikes Deal to Create New Social Network in China originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baidubusinesscensorshipchinafacebookMarkZuckerbergpoliticssearchSocialNetworkingthe+social+networkthesocialnetworktopWebMon, 11 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Jonathan Franzen's New Yorker Piece Hides Behind a Facebook Like Wall]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/#comments franzen on facebook Jonathan Franzen has a new piece in The New Yorker, but you'll have to become a fan of the magazine on Facebook if you want to read the whole thing. Taking its cue from the likes of Lil Wayne and Jennifer Lopez, The New Yorker has published Franzen's piece exclusively on its Facebook page in an effort to engage readers on the social network. The essay covers Franzen's trip to the island of Alejandro Selkirk, where he went to mourn the death of his friend, writer David Foster Wallace.

SwitchedJonathan Franzen's New Yorker Piece Hides Behind a Facebook Like Wall originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CondeNastDavidFosterWallaceessayfacebookfranzenJonathanFranzenlikemagazinenew+yorkernew+yorker+franzen+facebooknewyorkernewyorkerfranzenfacebookSocialNetworkingTheNewYorkertopWebwritingMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/#comments Facebook Closing Account Scam
Haven't you ever heard the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"? Well it doesn't just apply to things that are "good" -- it works for just about anything that sounds a bit unbelievable, like that Facebook is going to close all user accounts. It's not gonna happen. That hasn't stopped a new scam from spreading via a rogue app that posts the following message to your wall:
Facebook is closing all accounts today. They can't handle so many accounts. Most of the old accounts are not active, so they are deleting everything. If you want your account alive please confirm your activity. This is the final notice!
At the end of the wall post is a link that asks you to install an app called 'Confirm your activity - Official Application' with the Facebook logo as its icon. If you grant it permission to access your information and post to your wall (which you obviously shouldn't do), it will immediately begin posting links to itself on your wall while distracting you with a scam survey that earns a commission for the conmen (or conwomen) behind it.

Continue reading Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts

SwitchedLatest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacebookfacebook scamFacebookScamsecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopFri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/#comments empire avenue Social networking is a numbers game. Not only do you try to get the "right" amount of friends on Facebook and a good follower/followed ratio on Twitter, but it's all about wielding some social currency: who knows whom, where you get invited, if you'll get the scoop on the latest celeb death. Nowadays, social networking is quantifying the power of your friendships.

But talking analytics will make the average Facebooker's eyes glaze over. Transitioning it into a buy/sell/trade stock market game, however, suddenly turns your socialite friend into a hot commodity. Empire Avenue, a "social influence stock market" has now launched its Facebook app, which allows players to "buy and sell" the people they know, leveraging profit. The idea is that active, socially "fluent" people are worth more -- the more you tweet, post and share, the higher your value is. Then, you can take the game's currency, called "eaves," and purchase in-game items, which can also increase your value. The more people you invite, the greater access you'll have.

Continue reading Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game

SwitchedTurn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsempire avenueEmpireAvenuefacebookgamingsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingstock marketStockMarkettoptwitterThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop Unveils New Facebook Store]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/#comments gamestop on facebook GameStop opened a new store today on Facebook. The shop, accessible via GameStop's Facebook page, allows users to purchase games online, read product reviews, watch trailers and find nearby GameStop outlets. Fans of the retailer can also "like" and share specific games on Facebook, and earn points via GameStop's customer loyalty program.

Today's launch is just the latest in a series of recent moves from GameStop, which appears eager to expand its operations. Last year, the company bought social gaming site Kongregate, and, just a few days ago, it acquired game-streaming startup Spawn Labs. According to Technologizer, GameStop has even considered developing its own tablet, though details remain hazy.

SwitchedGameStop Unveils New Facebook Store originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookgamesgamestopgamingSocialGamingSocialNetworkingtopVideoGamesWebThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/#commentsfacebook loginThe U.S. government is considering using Facebook and Twitter to issue terrorism warnings, as part of its revamped terror alert system.

According to a draft of a Homeland Security plan obtained by the AP, the government would broadcast the warnings via Facebook and Twitter "when appropriate," and only after federal, state and local officials have already been alerted. But these warnings won't be quite as complex as before. The new system features only two alert levels -- 'elevated' and 'imminent' -- rather than the five colors that comprised the previous scale.

Continue reading U.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts

SwitchedU.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertfacebookHomeland SecurityHomelandSecuritypoliticsSocialNetworkingterrorismtoptwitterwarningWebThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Catholic Church Warns Parents About Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/#comments facebook conversation While some outlets may bash Chicago's St. John Cantius Roman Catholic church for warning its parishioners of Facebook's moral dangers, we won't. After all, the church's clergy didn't forbid Facebook; they just declared that it facilitates vanity and dishonesty (specifically in children), allowing them to concoct their own identities and social realities with less risk of real-world consequence. We're right there with the church. Maybe we should've given up Facebook for Lent...

SwitchedChicago Catholic Church Warns Parents About Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catholicchicago catholic churchChicagoCatholicChurchfacebookkidsparentsreligionsocialnetworkingtopThu, 07 Apr 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama, Zuckerberg to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/#comments obama and zuckerberg The White House has announced that President Obama will hold a Town Hall meeting later this month, alongside Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and company COO Sheryl Sandberg. The event, scheduled for April 20th, will be held at Facebook headquarters and live-streamed via the social network. You can RSVP on the White House Facebook page or submit your questions to the President here.

SwitchedObama, Zuckerberg to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamafacebookfacebook town hallFacebookTownHallMarkZuckerbergobamapoliticspresident obamaPresidentObamaSocialNetworkingTownHallWebWed, 06 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Urdu Translation Software Understands Nuance]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/rohini-srihari-urdu-translation-app-understands-nuance/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/rohini-srihari-urdu-translation-app-understands-nuance/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/rohini-srihari-urdu-translation-app-understands-nuance/#comments urdu translator A computer scientist at the University of Buffalo has developed a new program capable of taking automated translation beyond the literal.

Rohini Srihari began working on her software in the hopes of improving computerized translations of Urdu -- a linguistic blend of Hindi and Persian that is widely spoken in Pakistan, and by many Muslims in India. Urdu is a particularly difficult language for computers to translate because its grammar is so different from most Western languages, and its Arabic script can connote important subtleties in meaning. As a result, most digital translations of Urdu remain comparatively basic and literal -- something that Srihari wanted to change.

Continue reading Urdu Translation Software Understands Nuance

SwitchedUrdu Translation Software Understands Nuance originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arabichistorylanguageMiddleEastpakistanpoliticsRohiniSrihariscienceSocialNetworkingtoptranslationtwitterurduWebTue, 05 Apr 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter's New Homepage Signals a Maturing Service]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitters-new-homepage-signals-a-maturing-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitters-new-homepage-signals-a-maturing-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitters-new-homepage-signals-a-maturing-service/#comments New Twitter Homepage Twitter is rolling out a new homepage, which suggests a subtle shift in focus for the service. The new landing page asks you to "follow your interests," with a strip of suggested accounts that lean heavily toward news services and "industry experts." Overall, the design is cleaner and more mature, making it clear that Twitter wants to see itself as a serious destination for information.

SwitchedTwitter's New Homepage Signals a Maturing Service originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>social networkingSocialNetworkingtoptwittertwitter homepageTwitterHomepagewebTue, 05 Apr 2011 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/#comments

Jeff Kurze is a 35-year-old man from Michigan who suffers from chronic interstitial nephritis -- a condition that led to kidney failure and forced him to go through dialysis treatments three times per day. Kurze was in dire need of a kidney transplant, but his doctors told him it would likely be three to five years before he could find a donor. With their desperation mounting, Kurze and his wife turned to Facebook, where they found a life-saving solution.

Kurze's wife, Roxy, recently posted a note to the social networking site, explaining her husband's situation and asking for any donors to come forward. The post caught the attention of 25-year-old Ricky Cisco, who immediately contacted the Kurzes and offered his kidney to a man he didn't even know. After conducting some tests, doctors determined that Cisco was a suitable match. Last week, the two men went to the hospital to complete the transplant, and both are currently in good condition.

Continue reading Michigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook

SwitchedMichigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donorfacebookhealthjeff kurzeJeffKurzekidneykidney transplantKidneyTransplantmedicineorgan donorOrganDonorSocialNetworkingtopWebTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/#commentsFacebook released an update to its iPhone app yesterday, bringing event check-ins and enhanced map functionality. Rather than relying on Facebook Places, users can now check in at events and use Google Maps to visualize where their friends have checked in. And, perhaps best of all, the update allows you to unfriend people directly from your phone. No word yet on when these features will come to Android, but iPhone users can grab the update here.

SwitchedFacebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-infacebookGoogleMapsiphonemapsSocialNetworkingtopunfriendupdateTue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/#commentsA public school teacher in Chicago is under investigation for allegedly ridiculing one of her students on Facebook.

Last week, 7-year-old Ukailya Lofton attached Jolly Rancher candies to the ends of her braids in celebration of her school's picture day. The hairstyle reportedly amused Lofton's computer teacher, who allegedly took a picture of the child with her cell phone and shared it on Facebook. "She took a picture of me and then she said my boyfriend can't believe this," Lofton told Chicago's ABC7.

Continue reading Chicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook

SwitchedChicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagofacebookinvestigationphotosschoolSocialNetworkingstudentsteacherstopUkailya LoftonUkailyaLoftonWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/#commentsEarlier this week, Facebook pulled a controversial page calling for a Third Palestinian Intifada after facing intense pressure and criticism from Israeli politicians and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League. When it eventually decided to remove the page, the social network explained the decision by pointing out that comments on the page had "deteriorated to direct calls for violence," thereby warranting its termination per company policy. One lawyer, however, thinks Facebook should've yanked the page much earlier -- and he's asking for more than $1 billion to help heal the wounds.

Political activist Larry Klayman is the man behind the billion-dollar, class-action lawsuit, filed yesterday in Washington. Klayman, who is Jewish, alleges that Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg (also Jewish) intentionally kept the Intifada page active in order to "further their revenues and the net worth" of the company. Doing so, he claims, put Klayman's own life in jeopardy, since he has been "called a Zionist publicly by radical Palestinians and other such Arabic interests." Naturally, this led Klayman to consider himself "a target of this call to kill Jews."

Continue reading Lawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page

SwitchedLawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookintifadaIsraellarry klaymanLarryKlaymanlawsuitMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergPalestinepoliticsSocialNetworkingthe social networkTheSocialNetworktopWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter Confirms Your Long UberSocial DM's Might Be Public]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/#comments saftey tweet Twitter has issued a warning to all UberSocial and Twitroyd users after discovering that some direct messages sent via the apps have become publicly visible. Twitter's Trust and Safety Team confirmed the vulnerability yesterday, explaining that it could affect any direct messages exceeding 140 characters in length, sent via "d username." Twitter says it has notified the apps' developer and is working to bring both UberSocial and Twitroyd "into compliance w/our privacy policies."

SwitchedTwitter Confirms Your Long UberSocial DM's Might Be Public originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsprivacysafetysecuritySocialNetworkingtoptwitroydtwitterubersocialWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/#comments cree.py Ever wonder how easy it would be for someone to track your every move? You can now find out with a new app called 'Creepy.'

Created by 26-year-old Yiannis Kakavas, 'Creepy' is a software package that allows users to pinpoint anyone's location, using geographic data embedded within shared photos. All you have to do is type in a person's Twitter or Flickr username, and hit the 'Geolocate Target' button. The app will then gather all the geographic information available online, via photos that the 'target' has shared online.

Continue reading 'Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location

Switched'Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscree.pycreepycreepy appcreepy+appcreepyappflickrgeolocationLocationmapsphotosprivacysecuritySocialNetworkingsoftwaretoptwitpictwitterWebyfrogThu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google, FTC Reach Settlement on Buzz Privacy Case, John Kerry Wants to Go Further]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-buzz-settlement-ftc-john-kerry-wants-more/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-buzz-settlement-ftc-john-kerry-wants-more/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-buzz-settlement-ftc-john-kerry-wants-more/#commentsGoogle reached a historic settlement with the Federal Trade Commission yesterday, bringing an end to the FTC's investigation into Google Buzz -- the social network that has mired the company in allegations of privacy violations.

Under the settlement, Google will have to implement a "comprehensive privacy program," and will be subject to independent audits for the next two decades. Yesterday's announcement marks the first time that the FTC has targeted a company for violating privacy rules outlined in the U.S.-E.U. Safe Harbor Framework. It's also the first settlement explicitly requiring a firm to create a stronger privacy policy.

Continue reading Google, FTC Reach Settlement on Buzz Privacy Case, John Kerry Wants to Go Further

SwitchedGoogle, FTC Reach Settlement on Buzz Privacy Case, John Kerry Wants to Go Further originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumerftcFtcSettlementgoogleGoogleBuzzJohnKerrylawpoliticsprivacysocialnetworkingtopwebThu, 31 Mar 2011 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's New +1 Social Search Button Puts 'Likes' in Your Search]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/googles-new-1-social-search-button-puts-likes-in-your-search/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/googles-new-1-social-search-button-puts-likes-in-your-search/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/googles-new-1-social-search-button-puts-likes-in-your-search/#comments google plus one Adding yet another thing to click as you make your way across the Web, Google has finally launched its long-rumored '+1' recommendation service. (Try it out here.) It seems that Google is augmenting its algorithmically derived search results with your contacts' recommendations. Google's Matt Cutts told AdAge, "When someone recommends something, that's a pretty good indicator of quality." The assumption is that your friends' +1's would help you find, say, the best coffee shops in Austin or top-notch mushroom risotto recipes. While tweets and Facebook "likes" let users respond to your sharing, +1's are simply public votes for any given link you find through Google search.

Launching experimentally today, +1 can only be used on Google's search results pages, but will eventually be accessible from other links. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr have proven to be helpful alternatives to search for finding and sharing interesting content, and Google's hybrid approach, with a potential user base of millions, could help improve the quality of search results.

Continue reading Google's New +1 Social Search Button Puts 'Likes' in Your Search

SwitchedGoogle's New +1 Social Search Button Puts 'Likes' in Your Search originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>+1add+google++1+to+youraddgoogle+1toyourgoogleGoogle+1GooglePlusOnenew+googlenewgooglePlusOnesearchsocialnetworkingtopwebWed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneaky, Supercilious Snake Taunts on Twitter, Laffs Ensue]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bronxzoos-cobra-takes-to-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bronxzoos-cobra-takes-to-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bronxzoos-cobra-takes-to-twitter/#comments @bronxzooscobra tweet Forget Time's list of Twitter's best. Our newest local celebrity, a king cobra snake who's lately gone missing from the Bronx Zoo, has just won Twitter. (Fine, it's likely a spoof ghostwriter, but don't crush the dream.) The "super venomous, but not poisonous" Egyptian cobra disappeared on Saturday from the Reptile House exhibit; according to his Twitter account, he's since gone on to gawk at Tina Fey and mock Charlie Sheen. "[Know] what's better than tiger's blood? Cobra venom. #winning #snakeonthetown Also I'm 20 inches long. Just sayin'."

Other herpetological hijinks after the break:

Continue reading Sneaky, Supercilious Snake Taunts on Twitter, Laffs Ensue

SwitchedSneaky, Supercilious Snake Taunts on Twitter, Laffs Ensue originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bronx zooBronxZoobronxzooscobraking cobraKingCobralolzsnakesnakesSocialNetworkingtoptwitterTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Twitter's 'Elite' Minority Still Producing Half of All Tweets]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/study-twitters-elite-minority-still-producing-half-of-all-tw/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/study-twitters-elite-minority-still-producing-half-of-all-tw/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/study-twitters-elite-minority-still-producing-half-of-all-tw/#comments Twitter may be growing in population and volume, but, according to a new study from Cornell University and Yahoo Research, the site still relies upon a small fraction of its users to churn out the majority of its tweets.

The site currently boasts around 200 million users and sees about 140 million tweets per day. Half of those, however, are generated by less than 0.05-percent of all Twitter users -- a group of 20,000 that constitutes what researchers have called an "elite" class. A 2009 study from Harvard found similar results, concluding that 10-percent of users were responsible for 90-percent of the network's tweets.

Continue reading Study: Twitter's 'Elite' Minority Still Producing Half of All Tweets

SwitchedStudy: Twitter's 'Elite' Minority Still Producing Half of All Tweets originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlogcelebritiesmediapopulationreportSocialNetworkingstudytoptweettwitterusersWebTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/#commentsPolice in South Carolina have arrested a teenage boy who has been accused of impersonating an officer on Facebook in hopes that his false identity would convince women to have sex with him.

Horry County police were alerted to the teen's scheme on March 14th, when a woman named Tonya Godwin complained that an officer was harassing her on Facebook. According to Godwin, a man going by the name of Officer Jamie Jernigan had been sending her messages over the social network, asking her to meet up for sex. The man also claimed to be a volunteer firefighter and a U.S. Marine.

Continue reading Teen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook

SwitchedTeen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimefacebookfraudharassmentimpersonatorlawpolicesexSocialNetworkingSouthCarolinateenstopWebTue, 29 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV's 'Diary' Goes Inside Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/#comments
'The Social Network' and '60 Minutes' may have given you a glimpse at the life of Mark Zuckerberg, but what do we know about the day-to-day operations at Facebook? MTV's 'Diary' plans to expose the inner workings of the social network by profiling a technical engineer named Pedram and a consumer-marketing employee named Erin. The episode will air this Wednesday at 11:00 p.m.

SwitchedMTV's 'Diary' Goes Inside Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diaryfacebookmtvMtvDiarySocialNetworkingtopTue, 29 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Time's Ever-Relevant 140 Best Twitter Feeds]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/time-140-best-twitter-feeds/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/time-140-best-twitter-feeds/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/time-140-best-twitter-feeds/#comments tweet from margaret atwood Time Magazine, master of the almighty listicle, has put together a list (two years too late) of the 140 best Twitter feeds. No-brainers like Lady Gaga and Ashton Kutcher obviously make the cut; suspiciously missing is the newly anointed warlock Charlie Sheen, or the acerbic insight of The Awl co-founder Choire Sicha. In their place lies the banal: the giggly ramblings of Taylor Swift, the ever-relevant Alyssa Milano (who tweets in quantity, not quality) and Margaret Atwood, who we love but just isn't fun to follow. RSS feeds and self-promotion does not a good Twitterer make, Time.

SwitchedTime's Ever-Relevant 140 Best Twitter Feeds originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alyssa milanoAlyssaMilanobest twitter feedBestTwitterFeedcelebritiescharlie sheenCharlieSheenchoire sichaChoireSichamargaret atwoodMargaretAtwoodsocialnetworkingtaylor swiftTaylorSwifttoptwitterMon, 28 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/#commentsWarner Bros. has announced that five new movies are now available to rent on Facebook, as part of a service that the studio launched earlier this month. In addition to 'The Dark Knight,' users will now be able to rent 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' 'Inception,' 'Life as We Know It' and 'Yogi Bear.' Each film can be rented for 48 hours using Facebook credits. Check out PC World for a guide on how to get started.

SwitchedWarner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFacebookCreditsfilmHarryPotterinceptionmoviesrentalsSocialNetworkingtopwarner+brothersWebyogi bearYogiBearMon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Odd Future's Tyler Sets Internet to Find His Own Missed Connection]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/tyler-the-creator-tweets-missed-connection/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/tyler-the-creator-tweets-missed-connection/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/tyler-the-creator-tweets-missed-connection/#comments tyler creatorOdd Future, the group of relatively unknown teens from So-Cal who suddenly got the entire music world buzzing, are now known for many things. Eating and regurgitating roaches, hating on cops and storming out of shows are a few new trademarks, but member Tyler the Creator can now add romantic human flesh searches to his weird resume. This weekend, he tweeted, "Back In October I Met The Girl i Want To Marry. Still Havent Found Her" along with this oddly sweet picture. Tyler's public persona is all piss and vinegar, but clearly he's looking for love. May we suggest Reddit?

Continue reading Odd Future's Tyler Sets Internet to Find His Own Missed Connection

SwitchedOdd Future's Tyler Sets Internet to Find His Own Missed Connection originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HumanFleshSearchMissedConnectionsmusicOddFutureredditSocialNetworkingtoptwitterTylerTheCreatorMon, 28 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad Firm Turns to Twitter for Latest Batch of Interns]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/ad-firm-turns-to-twitter-for-latest-batch-of-interns/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/ad-firm-turns-to-twitter-for-latest-batch-of-interns/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/ad-firm-turns-to-twitter-for-latest-batch-of-interns/#comments Lucky 13 Twitter is better known for its ability to cost people jobs, but it can also land you a position with an employer (and not just by having your lame Twitter feed turned into an even lamer TV show). Advertising firm Campbell Mithun selected its incoming crop of summer interns through a Twitter contest dubbed 'Lucky 13.' Applicants were asked to pitch their qualifications in 140-character fragments over the course of 13 days (one tweet per day). The contest saw over 300 applicants, out of which six were chosen by Campbell Mithun. You can check out the 13 winning tweets from the interns at the Campbell Mithun blog. (When compiled into a single "cover letter"-style package, they approach an absurdist comic brilliance.)

The company turned to Twitter because, as Debbie Fischer (an HR manager at Campbell Mithun) told the New York Times, "We thought it would be appropriate to add a digital component... [given] the increasing digital nature of our day-to-day work." The experiment was also a hit with the applicants, who found tweeting much more natural than sending a resume. The applicants also engaged with each other using social media. One of the winning applicants, Mark Manalaysay told the Times, "It was very public, which kept it very interesting. We've actually been very social with each other." Another winning intern, Genette Sekse, said that "it was fun checking out the competition."

SwitchedAd Firm Turns to Twitter for Latest Batch of Interns originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CampbellMithuninternshipSocialNetworkingtoptwitterwebMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MySpace, Apparently Still Around, Loses 10 Million Users in Month]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/myspace-apparently-still-around-loses-10-million-users-in-mont/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/myspace-apparently-still-around-loses-10-million-users-in-mont/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/myspace-apparently-still-around-loses-10-million-users-in-mont/#comments myspace MySpace -- wait, what? yes -- lost more than 10 million users in a matter of weeks. ComScore reported the drop came in a single month, between January and February. The fall follows a larger trend; the social network has bled some 50 million users in the last year.

The timing has a bit of chicken/egg feel to it, these numbers come right on the heels of January's massive layoffs, when nearly half of the staff was axed. The BBC report reads a little like an obit ("It was the social network site that helped launch the careers of artists like Arctic Monkeys, Kate Nash and Lily Allen.") You almost gotta feel for the site. Almost.

SwitchedMySpace, Apparently Still Around, Loses 10 Million Users in Month originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kindasadmyspacemyspace+loses+usersmyspacelosesusersobitsrupert murdochRupertMurdochsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopwebsiteFri, 25 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majority of Americans Now on Facebook, Report Says]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/#commentsIf you're over the age of 12 and not on Facebook, you're in the (slight) minority. According to a soon-to-be-published report from Edison Research, 51-percent of all American "adults" (i.e., ages 12 and up) have an account on the social networking site. Just three years ago, that figure was only 8-percent. There are also plenty of 12-year olds using the site, but Facebook is exterminating those little termites as fast as it can.

SwitchedMajority of Americans Now on Facebook, Report Says originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edison researchEdisonResearchfacebookreportSocialNetworkingstatisticsstudytopFri, 25 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Questions Gets Revamped as Polling Service]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/#comments Facebook Questions Back in July, Facebook launched Questions, a feature meant to take on reigning Q&A kings Quora, Aardvark and Yahoo! Answers. Saying that it fell short is being polite. Now the service is relaunching in a form that's nothing like its original targets. The new Questions is limited to friends and provides responses in an easy to read poll format. You can check it out now at Facebook.com/questions.

SwitchedFacebook Questions Gets Revamped as Polling Service originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacebook questionsFacebookQuestionsquestionssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopFri, 25 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/#comments facebook opt out Facebook has begun rolling out its controversial 'Social Ads' campaign, which allows companies to use your name and profile picture in advertisements targeted to your friends.

Under the new service, users who 'like' certain pages, events or apps could have their name and picture displayed in online ads for participating companies. If you 'like' Starbucks, for example, your face may pop up in an ad or a promotion on someone else's account. Ads with your name will be visible only to the friends who are allowed to see your status updates and Wall posts. As always, then, your visibility will depend upon how restrictive your privacy settings are.

Continue reading Facebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out

SwitchedFacebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingfacebookopt-outprivacySocial AdsSocialAdsSocialNetworkingTargetedAdvertisingtopWebThu, 24 Mar 2011 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[With Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/#commentsNow that Gilbert Gottfried has been axed from his job as the voice of the Aflac duck, the insurance company is scrambling to find a replacement -- and it's looking to Monster for help.

Aflac has already pulled all commercials featuring Gottfried, who was fired last week after posting a series of offensive jokes about Japan to his Twitter account. At first, the company considered running the same ads with a different voice, but ultimately decided to hold an open competition for the job.

Continue reading With Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice

SwitchedWith Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aflacAflacDuckcommercialduckfacebookGilbertGottfriedinsurancemonsterSocialNetworkingtopWebWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Biz Stone on Conan: Twitter Was Once the 'Seinfeld of the Internet']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/biz-stone-on-conan-seinfeld-of-the-internet/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/biz-stone-on-conan-seinfeld-of-the-internet/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/biz-stone-on-conan-seinfeld-of-the-internet/#comments
Twitter co-founder Biz Stone made an appearance on Conan the other night, in honor of his company's 5th birthday. The occasion gave Stone a chance to take a brief look back on the early days of Twitter when, as O'Brien duly pointed out, many people thought the microblogging platform served no real purpose.

"Everybody said 'Twitter's useless,'" Stone recalled. "To which my co-founder Evan Williams said, 'Well, so's ice cream. You want us to ban ice cream and all joy?' We said, 'Screw that. We'll just keep working on it.'" He went on to remind Conan that Twitter was once referred to as the "'Seinfeld' of the Internet" -- i.e., a site about nothing. "I love Seinfeld," Stone said.

Continue reading Biz Stone on Conan: Twitter Was Once the 'Seinfeld of the Internet'

SwitchedBiz Stone on Conan: Twitter Was Once the 'Seinfeld of the Internet' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BizStoneConanObrienLateNightTalkShowsSocialNetworkingtoptvtwitterWebWed, 23 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Game Offers Free Trip to Ireland for Best Virtual Roof-Thatchers]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/#comments 'ireland town' In the same way that 'Mafia Wars' has drawn attention to Jersey, and 'FarmVille' has drawn attention to... uh... Iowa (or something), Zynga's newest Facebook gaming sensation 'Ireland Town' is advertising the Emerald Isle to Facebook users enthralled by such virtual activities as brewing beer and thatching roofs. Developed by Tourism Ireland, a joint enterprise between Ireland and Northern Ireland, the game offers a free trip to Erin for the best of the thatchers and brewers.

SwitchedFacebook Game Offers Free Trip to Ireland for Best Virtual Roof-Thatchers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFarmVilleirelandIrelandTownMafiaWarsNorthernIrelandonlinegamingsocialnetworkingtopwebWed, 23 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Folks Joined Facebook to Talk About Politics, Not You]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/#comments accepting parents on facebook Obviously, we'd all like to imagine that our parents joined Facebook just to make our lives miserable. But, according to Pew Internet, the olds got wise to social networks for "political purposes" during the last election cycle. The research organization found a massive jump in politically oriented Internet use from the 2006 election, and discovered that more than one in five online adults turned to social networks in 2010 in order to be engaged with politics. Like, whatever.

SwitchedYour Folks Joined Facebook to Talk About Politics, Not You originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookoldsparentsPewInternetAndAmericanLifeProjectSocialNetworkingtoptwitterwebTue, 22 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yelpers Now Tell You Where Greasy, Girlfriend-Stealing Hipsters Lurk]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/yelp-adds-hipster-category/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/yelp-adds-hipster-category/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/yelp-adds-hipster-category/#comments Hipster PizzaYelp has officially added "hipster" to its stable of listing descriptors. Yes, that's right, the uninformed critics who enjoy reviewing places like post offices and other assorted businesses can now tell you where to go, should you have an aversion to or affection for tight-fitting jeans and neon wayfarers. Look, man, we don't want any mouth-breathing app freaks to tell us what it means to frequent our local pizza joints. And isn't actively avoiding "hip" places in pursuit of the "authentic" super hipster-y, anyway?

SwitchedYelpers Now Tell You Where Greasy, Girlfriend-Stealing Hipsters Lurk originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hiphipsterssocialnetworkingtopwebyelpYelp.comTue, 22 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[James Franco Attacks Bruce Vilanch on Twitter]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/james-franco-attacks-bruce-vilanch-on-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/james-franco-attacks-bruce-vilanch-on-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/james-franco-attacks-bruce-vilanch-on-twitter/#commentsLook, we understand that it takes a certain amount of self-importance to become a celebrity of note. It probably takes a lack of self-awareness, too. But, if James Franco is under the impression that his performance at this year's Academy Awards was anything less than dreadful, he might be the least self-aware person on Earth. The actor/author/college instructor/multimedia "artist" took to Twitter to lambaste comedian Bruce Vilanch, who had a less than positive take on Franco's performance.

The comedy writer, who has been a staple of award shows for years, told New York Magazine in an interview that he felt Franco was simply trying to do too much at once. (Between hosting the Oscars, he was also attending Yale and filming a movie.) He also said that, contrary to popular belief, Franco was not intoxicated during the ceremony. Apparently Franco, who has already shown a propensity for lashing out with childish pictures posted to Twitter, took offense to what sounds like a reasonable critique of the performance. He tweeted an image of himself and Vilanch, overlaid with the caption: "James fucked up the Oscars. Trust me, I know comedy. I mean, come on, I write for Bette Midler!"

Continue reading James Franco Attacks Bruce Vilanch on Twitter

SwitchedJames Franco Attacks Bruce Vilanch on Twitter originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BruceVilanchcelebritiescelebrityJamesFrancooscarsOscars2011SocialNetworkingtoptwitterTue, 22 Mar 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Kicks Out 20,000 Underage Users Every Day, Privacy Chief Claims]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/#comments kid on computer It's no secret that Facebook has plenty of underage users, but, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph, the social network is doing its best to keep them out.

Facebook's chief privacy adviser, Mozelle Thompson, confirmed yesterday that the site bans about 20,000 underage users every day, as part of its campaign to tighten its 13-and-older age limit. Speaking to a Parliamentary cyber-safety commission in Australia, Thompson added that the site has adopted mechanisms to detect when kids lie about their ages, but acknowledged that they're still "not perfect."

Thompson went on to say that the company would soon hire a local safety expert in Australia, in order to more efficiently handle local security issues.

SwitchedFacebook Kicks Out 20,000 Underage Users Every Day, Privacy Chief Claims originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacybersecurityfacebookkidspolicysafetysecuritySocialNetworkingtopunderageWebTue, 22 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NYTimes Extends Paywall Limit, as Coders Jump Over Wall and Reporters Game System]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/new-york-times-paywall-extends-javascript-hack/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/new-york-times-paywall-extends-javascript-hack/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/new-york-times-paywall-extends-javascript-hack/#comments new york times paywall overlay Either Google pitched a fit, or the New York Times got savvy to the fact that not everyone searches with Google. (Wait, they don't?) Either way, TechCrunch is reporting that the paper decided to extend its five-article-per-day referral limit to all "major" search engines.

It's an intelligent-enough about-face from the initial policy, which the Times said would apply only to Google. After all, why not plug a loophole that allowed users to access endless free articles by utilizing other search engines? But TechCrunch questions whether the other search engines even have the functionality to implement this cap.

Continue reading NYTimes Extends Paywall Limit, as Coders Jump Over Wall and Reporters Game System

SwitchedNYTimes Extends Paywall Limit, as Coders Jump Over Wall and Reporters Game System originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementadvertisingbookmarkletDavid HayesDavidHayesforbesjavascriptmediaNewYorkTimesNiemanJournalismLabnytnytimesnytimes.comPayWallSocialNetworkingtechcrunchtopwebTue, 22 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Prankster Duo Lovingly Retouches Facebook Photos, With a Splash of Derp]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/#comments james' face If you're a prankster with a modicum of Photoshop skills, you'll probably want to get in on this one. Oli and Alex are charmers who use their innate artistic abilities to seriously piss off their hapless friend James. As Oli puts it: "I like going onto my friend's Facebook page, taking photos of him, changing them slightly, then putting them back up on Facebook. He doesn't like me doing this." Some are subtle (a slightly redder, puffier face), but most aren't. All, however, are exceedingly obnoxious. Hooray for friends!

SwitchedPrankster Duo Lovingly Retouches Facebook Photos, With a Splash of Derp originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoyingBadFriendsfacebookFacebookPhotosfriendslolzphotographyphotosphotoshoppranksSocialNetworkingtopMon, 21 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST