Facebook Bans All Cryptocurrency Ads:

Shock horror! Facebook stamps all over Cryptocurrency ads which includes ICOs. Now, in the interests of balance I would like to cover different arguements on this subject because Facebook has got form on stuff like this but the hypocrisy is staggering as well. So let's look at a couple of issues here.

• Spam-Scam Groups
• Network Marketing v Crypto-Currency Programs

Spam-Scam Groups

So, bearing in mind that Facebook has banned the use of Cryptocurrency and ICO ads, it is interesting that the hundreds of Cryptocurrency Facebook groups are not to be shut down. Moreover, there are many personal accounts being used to blatantly advertise Cryptocurrency programs - this is technically a breach of Facebook terms and conditions. Now, I totally get the stance on ICOs and I see Facebook trying to protect it's users and customers from dodgy programs. Facebook reacted in the same fashion regarding network marketing, affiliate marketing and what are regarded as Ponzi schemes. Is this new stance just an extension of that? Or is it merely a strategy to keep people on the Facebook site for longer - stopping people from clicking through to other websites. One would hope they are actually trying to protect people and distance themselves from these types of 'Opportunities'.

Network Marketing v  Crypto-Currency Programs

So, back in the day, around 15 years ago, I discovered affiliate marketing and began to learn about things like email marketing, sales copy, and search engine optimisation. I put in a lot of work and some of those skills still apply to my businesses today. I was then introduced to Network Marketing and It didn't quite tick my boxes although I found I could use my affiliate marketing skills to some degree - I'm just not in the convincing game. 

This was around the time I opened a Facebook account and I was immediately encouraged to use Facebook groups and message people directly to tell them about my network marketing company. Well, you can imagine the deafening sound of tumble-weed. It's still incredible that an industry with the word 'Marketing' in it offers no formal training or professional support.

I also began to notice that Facebook was starting to introduce restrictions on network marketing ads and also to some degree, affiliate marketing. Websites such as JV Zoo, Clickbank and Warrior were having their links blacklisted and banned. What this did do, and it was a good thing, marketers and advertisers had to up their game and drive traffic around Facebook - essentially keeping potential customers inside Facebook, which is what Facebook wants. Even link cloaking, to some degree, was stopped. 

The amount of spam coming into my message inbox was staggering and it was just desperate, unprofesional rubbish with links at the end of cold prospecting. It got to the stage when I got sick of trying to help people and show them the professional way to build relationships - people had been sold the quick buck and were trying to copy and paste their way to freedom. They weren't interested in the long game, they wanted the riches they'd been promised after a couple of weeks of spamming.

And now, the spammers have pounced on Bitcoin and Crypto-Currencies.

Exactly the same is happening - It's like groundhog day...

Hey there Friend...Have you heard of Bitcoin?

Dude, Have you heard of Crypto Mining?

If these idiots had their share of the family brain cell that day, 2 minutes scanning my personal profile would have told them the answer to their dumb-ass questions. I mean come on!

So, because of this particular scenario and this type of nuisance 'Call', I understand where Facebook are going but targeting the ads isn't necessary the answer in my view. If there's a way of stopping it in the groups and on personal profiles then that would help tremendously - Plus sorting out the fake accounts on Facebook is a huge issue at the moment, and those people's conduct is appalling.

Here is the recent quote from Facebook regarding this matter.

 “This policy is intentionally broad while we work to better detect deceptive and misleading advertising practices, and enforcement will begin to ramp up across our platforms including Facebook, Audience Network and Instagram. We will revisit this policy and how we enforce it as our signals improve.”  — Facebook 

And Finally...

There will be people who agree with what I've said, and I hope there are also disagreements. I'm certainly no industry expert in Crypto-Currency, however, I understand that Social Media probably isn't the best arena to be recruiting and selling. Despite what some commentators think, most people are still more interested in watching cat videos and sharing fun content rather than being pestered into buying someone's vomit juice or being recruited into selling make-up. 

People don't goto work and do all their business, selling and networking in spammy Facebook groups. The chances are, they are building networks, cultivating relationships and offering good valuable content through the correct channels. Channels proven to work.

Facebook may well be trying to protect their account holders - But the way they go around these matters is shoddy to say the least. No one really knows what's going on and what's around the corner.

If you missed my #introduceyourself post then you can find it here and get to know more about me. I hope you found this post interesting and I always welcome different points of view and opinions.