04 June 2007

Menuism utilises Facebook to reach more users

An online restaurant review site has been among the first to utilise the new applications offered by social-networking site Facebook.

Menuism, a socialisation site for "food fanatics" has been one of many firms taking advantage of Facebook's new Platform system, which allows developers to make applications within Facebook so users can access external groups and discussion areas.

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and chief executive officer of Facebook, explained: "Facebook Platform creates an ecosystem for developers to build applications that deeply integrate into Facebook and use its social graph.

"By enabling developers to make applications within Facebook, we're working together to create a better utility for millions of people."

Facebook currently has some 24 million active users worldwide, making it one of the biggest social networking sites in the world. The new Platform system allows these users to access separate applications outside the normal Facebook system, with sites such as Menuism taking full advantage.

Aimed mainly at Facebook's core users, young women, the application allows Facebookers to discuss what kind of foods or restaurants they'd recommend to friends, while the GutCheck feature allows them to broadcast what they're eating at any time - ideal for those on a diet.

"People always turn to friends for restaurant recommendations and there's no better network of friends than Facebook," said Menuism founder John Li. "I trust my friends' opinions on cheesy fries, not some food critic's."

Another innovative source of revenue for Facebook is the latest feature, Facebook Polls. The survey section allows any organisation or individual looking to gauge interest in a particular topic to set up their own poll, targeting millions every day, for a minimum $5 set up fee.

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