the Problem

Their are two types of word-of-mouth. One which is genuine, and one which is forced.

One of the most innovative features of Facebook is the "mini-feed" and also, at least from an Application Developer's point of view, "application invitations". Both these features, when used properly, help to foster genuine word of mouth. The problem is when an app forces it's users to tell friends about it; that's not geniune word-of-mouth; that's forcing. I'm referring to apps that make users invite friends as a prerequisite for doing anything else with the app. Forced application invitations amount to a lot of spam on Facebook and they're just plain annoying.

the Solution

The Facebook Anti-Spam Stamp - that's the solution. The following is a list of rules that one must adhere to, in order to be elible to place the stamp. These rules are pretty lenient, and only affect those applications which forecfully spread themselves.

the Rules

There are two rules; if your app adheres to them, you may place the Anti-Spam Stamps on your Application Canvas Page or site. A link back to this page is not required, but it's sort of pointless if your users don't know what the Anti-Spam Stamp means.

  1. An app must NOT force its users to invite others and cannot provide "limited" experiences to those who opt out of inviting.
  2. An app MAY greet new users with the invitation page, but MUST provide a clearly marked and apparent "Skip", "Continue", or similar button.

the Stamps

App Website Big Stamp

could be used on your app website perhaps?

Anti-Spam Compliant

App Canvas Small Stamp

"good things come in small packages"

Anti-Spam Compliant

Footer Text - with Humor

like the image above, but wish it were in text. Voila. Oh, and it doesn't have to be used for the footer.

Made with 100% Angus Beef Anti-Spam Compliance.

Footer Text - w/o Humor

don't like the images? don't like it when things are funny? try boring text.

Anti-Spam Compliant

Limited Usage: If you comply with "the Rules", you can use "the Stamps". If you're writing a blog about how cool this anti-spam idea is you may use the Stamps. If you're complaining about how stupid this is, you may still use the stamps. But don't put them on your app, if you're not following da rules.