However, and this is the big “IF”, if and only if Facebook could make the property more business friendly without being obtrusive to general users, in a similar fashion to how Google serves up relevant ads based on contextual keywords. So let’s say my Facebook status is, “Just gave the dog a bath and boy did he make a mess”. Instead of static ads displayed on the side of the page that nobody clicks on, there would be my text ad saying, “Come to Tod’s Dog Wash and Get $5 Off”. Users would have the option of having their status update “sponsored” by either local businesses or major brands, and then Facebook would actually pay the user in points or virtual currency in return. That virtual currency, in return, could be redeemed right through Facebook when users purchase a dog wash or other products/services from the local marketplace section on Facebook…..and Facebook would, of course, collect a transaction fee from the merchant to recoup their virtual payout.

Shhh, don’t tell anybody about this idea, because I think I’m going to open my own property called “Todbook”.