Side-Line versus Facebook’s Stars scam program
In a message on our social media channels we have attacked the Facebook Stars scam program.
Facebook Stars is a ‘feature’ that allows followers to show their appreciation for you as a creator. Visitors can buy Stars and send them to a creator to appreciate a live, on-demand, photo, or text content. As it happens, Meta turned on these stars automatically on our Side-Line magazine page on Facebook.
Weird, as we didn’t give them permission to do this. It’s like they’re throwing us a surprise party we never asked for. How… thoughtful. But here’s more: in fact Side-Line doesn’t see a single penny from these so-called stars. It’s truly commendable how META has mastered the art of sneaky actions to, let’s say, ‘misplace’ people’s money.
Several social media agencies have already protested against these practices.
Let it be very clear, we have absolutely no intention of using Facebook for monetization and never will use Facebook for this. We simply don’t trust Facebook with your data and we sure as hell do NOT trust them with your money. The only valid way to help out is by supporting our charities at https://sidelinemag.bandcamp.com , unlike Facebook we do not keep other people’s money.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
— Side-Line Magazine (@sidelinemag) July 31, 2023
So, we've noticed that Facebook has suddenly developed a keen interest in the 'stars' on our page. They're claiming that by purchasing these 'stars', you're supporting Side-Line. Isn't that just adorable?
But here's a fun fact: Side-Line doesn't see a single… pic.twitter.com/K5g1eIqvYJ
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
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