To be honest, I’m not sure. Take a look at this –
Facebook Timeline for brands is brand new and as such, the nuances and intricacies of the new user interface are still being worked out*. However, a good place to start when dealing with a new service structure is the service supplier themselves. In this instance, that’s Facebook.
Their [new] terms of service (specifically to the cover photo) state:
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All covers are public. This means that anyone who visits your Page will be able to see your cover. Covers can’t be deceptive, misleading, or infringe on anyone else’s copyright. You may not encourage people to upload your cover to their personal timelines.
Covers may not include:
- Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it on socialmusic.com”;
- Contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or information that should go in your Page’s “About” section;
- References to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features; or
- Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends.”
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I interpret that as ‘Oi! No special offers on your cover photo!‘Â
…but I could be wrong.
Being unsure (and in constant search of a decent debate), I asked Twitter –
The crowd certainly think so – although, funnily enough, Play didn’t respond.
Covers including special offers certainly seem off limits from the Facebook’s terms of service and, in all honesty, that’s what I’ve been advising friends, colleagues and clients when it comes to embracing Facebook’s new Timeline layout…
Either way, Play are sailing pretty close to the wind. Wouldn’t you say?
Friends, readers and peers – what do you think?
Better yet, why don’t we ask Play?
*for example: knowing how many characters you should use in your ‘about’ section.