In a move set to upset many social platform developers, like us, Facebook has changed the rules.
You may now, officially, run competitions ON Facebook, without the need for any externally hosted applications.
But this is why you probably don’t want to:
1) Time is valuable
Using Likes as votes and entries will take time to count, etc.
2) Fairness is an issue
Automated algorithms for selecting winners may be more fair, and less prone to errors.
3) Branding and Control of Environment
Sometimes, it’s just better to be able to control the whole experience and it’s appearance than rely totally on Facebook. Especially for more established brands.
All in all here is the new rules:
E. Promotions
i. If you use Facebook to communicate or administer a promotion (ex: a contest or sweepstakes), you are responsible for the lawful operation of that promotion, including:
1. The official rules;
2. Offer terms and eligibility requirements (ex: age and residency restrictions); and
3. Compliance with applicable rules and regulations governing the promotion and all prizes offered (ex: registration and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals)
ii. Promotions on Facebook must include the following:
1. A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.
2. Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
iii. Promotions may be administered on Pages or within apps on Facebook. Personal Timelines must not be used to administer promotions (ex: “share on your Timeline to enter” or “share on your friend’s Timeline to get additional entries” is not permitted).
iv. We will not assist you in the administration of your promotion, and you agree that if you use our service to administer your promotion, you do so at your own risk.
So, there you have it.