Just how open are Facebook’s APIs?
First results from our work with the Facebook APIs have been positive. We’ll definitely provide basic import of Facebook info into PeopleAggregator in our “end of the month” release.
Meanwhile a number of issues have been brought up.
1. I’ve gone through the TOS several times now and its clear we need to address a few things:
- The TOS reads: 4) You may not store any Facebook Properties in any Data Repository which enables any third party to access or share the Facebook Properties without our prior written consent.
- So since we wish to export Facebook profiles in XFN/hCard and FOAF - Guess this means we need written consent. DEAR Mark Zuckerberg. Can we PLEASE output in XFN and FOAF?
- we’ll also have to ask Mark for extensions to their ping limits - as our large customers as gonna be using this - ALLOT.
- we also need to clarify if the limit is on an entire network basis or per end-user
- they say its OK to resize the artwork we get, but many times folks like to crop an image as well. I hope that’s OK.
2. Martin found this page - which is the ‘Interacting with Facebook’ page. It talks about directing our users to certain pages where ‘actions’ can occur. They talk about ‘poking a user’ - which is a Facebook gesture. They also support sending messages, adding users as a friend, viewing specific photos - so I say “RIGHT ON FOR THESE CALLS!” - but we need more - obviously.
3. FactoryJoe says “It seems like these things are flags rather than write commands… so it’s like “toggle this setting between these two users”. Some stuff here (which is a basic FAQ on Facebook.)
4. You’ll have to draw your own conclusions as to how safe and trust worthy we can consider Facebook and whether or not the additonal calls we need will be made available. I’m betting we can trust themm and we will get what we need.
5. It’ll be fun to see who else supports these early stage APIs. I feel a kind of warm and fuzzy cmradery with these early supporters.
6. So my message to the Facebook dudes “we love yah dudes, keep going!”