“Facebook to charge!” has long been a panic meme on the social network, but finally there is some truth to the rumor — though chances are it won’t be something that really affects you.
While Facebook plans to charge for a portion of its services, it is focused on service you don’t already have access to. Much has been made of the site’s infamous “Other” inbox, where private messages from unconnected contacts are routed.
Now Facebook will charge you for the privilege of getting messages from yet to connected friends on the social network, but again, this is not something we get to do right now anyway.
The Facebook charge is currently being piloted in certain countries, and a Facebook spokesperson explained the reasoning for the change — aside from dolla dolla bills, y’all:
“The system of paying to message non-friends in their Facebook inbox is designed to prevent spam, while acknowledging that sometimes you might want to hear from people outside your immediate social circle.”
As the UK is one of the countries in which Facebook is to charge for unsolicited private messaging, the price is currently being quoted in Euro’s at “about £10.”
Would you pay to message someone on Facebook?
How often do you really need to message someone you aren't friends with? I don't have a problem with this charge, and I guess it would probably prevent spam.