Facebook makes money from user's data

Social networking site Facebook is using its users’s profile, status updates, messages and other information to help advertisers find exactly who they want to reach out to.

Facebook is now tracking this activity, shooting online ads to users based on their demographics, interests, even what they say to friends on the site sometimes within minutes of them typing a key word or phrase.

For example, women who have changed their relationship status to “engaged” on their Facebook profiles will receive ads from local wedding planners and caterers when they log in.

Middle-aged men who list motorcycling as one of their hobbies could get pitches from Victory Motorcycles.

According to the Los Angeles Times, some analysis believe that Facebook’s unique trove of consumer behavior could transform it into one of the most powerful marketing tools ever invented.

However, privacy watchdogs say Facebook’s unique ability to mine data and sell advertising based on what its members voluntarily share amounts to electronic eavesdropping on personal updates, posts and messages that many users intended to share only with friends.

Facebook’s first experiment with paid ads was a flop. In 2007 it rolled out Beacon, which broadcast information on Facebook about users’ activities and purchases elsewhere on the Web without their permission.

Facebook pulled the program after settling a lawsuit brought on behalf of Facebook users.

This time around, company officials appear to be proceeding more cautiously. David Fischer, Facebook’s vice president of advertising and global operations, says Facebook delivers ads that are relevant to users’ lives.

“This is an opportunity for brands to connect with you. When someone likes a brand, they are building a two-way conversation, creating an ongoing relationship,” said Fischer.

Golmaal 3 grosses Rs117 crore worldwide

Eros International Media Ltd (Eros International), the largest studio in India has announced an exceptional first week performance for Rohit Shetty’s GOLMAAL 3, produced by Shri Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

Eros International released the much anticipated film in cinemas across the globe on 05 November 2010. Since its release, the film has grossed Rs.117 crore worldwide, with Rs.102 crore in India (Net Collection: Rs. 67 crore) and Rs.15 crore overseas in its first week.

Following the legacy of the successful Golmaal series, Golmaal 3 starring leading actors, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor and Arshad Warsi, amongst others, was a highly anticipated film amongst the audiences.

The film opened across 2,000 plus screens worldwide to a stupendous opening weekend collection. Excellent reviews and great ‘word-of-mouth’ thereafter helped the film to sustain its foothold at the box office and resulted in outstanding collections throughout the first week. Further, the film has had a tremendous repeat viewing factor which has led to the high occupancy rate in cinemas across the globe.

Delighted with the first week collections, Nandu Ahuja, Sr. VP, Distribution, Eros International Media Ltd said, “”We are really glad with the stupendous response to GOLMAAL 3. It has become the second highest grosser of the year and still going strong. It has truly lived upto its brand & expectations and we anticipate the excellent performance to continue in the coming weeks too.”

Pranab Kapadia, President – Distribution – Eros International plc added, “Even in its 2nd week GOLMAAL 3 is doing extremely well across all overseas markets. In UK, USA and UAE, this edition of GOLMAAL series will be the best ever within just 10 days since its release. Mauritius, Australia and Fiji have registered record breaking collections. I believe GOLMAAL 3 brought the perfect mood to ignite Diwali and festivities in style, considering the tremendous response received from the audiences.”

Golmaal 3

It is touted as the first trilogy of Indian cinema. It's about time that the distant cousin of Hollywood had one. Yet, what's important is that Bollywood did not need to have trilogies as one hit film has the habit of spawning a whole generation of films that look and feel like the original. "Golmaal 3" also suffers from that syndrome. Thankfully, it only feels like its previous avatars.

Despite retaining most characters from its previous outings, "Golmaal 3" enters a hitherto uncharted territory. Madhav (Warsi), Laxman (Khemu) and Lucky (Kapoor) are the three scheming sons of Pritam (Mithun) who manage to lure Vasooli (Mukesh Tiwari) into one scheme after another.

However, as luck would have it, in everything they start, they find competition from three other down-on-their-luck kids Gopal (Ajay Devgn), Laxman (Shreyas Talapade) and Dabbu (Kareena Kapoor) with funding from Puppy bhai (Johnny Lever). Gopal and Laxman are the sons of Geeta (Ratna Pathak Shah).

Inevitably, locking horns they end up destroying each others businesses. What the two groups don't know is that their parents are unrequited ex-lovers.

When Dabbu finds out she schemes and unites the two lovers in a marriage without letting their children know about their step-brothers.

All hell breaks loose when they finally find out and a hilarious war engulfs between the two groups right under their parents noses.

Like its predecessors "Golmaal 3" has enough laughs going through the film to keep the momentum.

Johnny Lever as the Ghajini-style forgetful don who adopts a new filmy avatar every few minutes has the audience in splits.

The few spoofs of old Hindi films, full of camera pans and quick zooms, will nostalgically tickle the funny bone. The twists of various popular phrases and known adages, raises more than a chuckle.

Mithun gets to do his "Disco Dancer" once again. Theatre veteran Ratna Pathak-Shah waltzes through the film with aplomb. Arshad Warsi is his usual tapori self while Shreyas Talapade and Kunal Khemu do a good job.

It is however the beefed up Tushar Kapoor who seems to be trying too hard, and despite raising giggles, fails to arouse laughter. In the first part he, looking the most vulnerable, was the funniest of the lot.

Director Rohit Shetty tries his best in merging comic vignettes into one comprehensible film. However, had it not been for the funny dialogues, his lack of directorial verve would have shone out.

He is spared the fate by some ingenious dialogue writing by Robin Bhatt ("Aashiqui", "Sadak", "Baazigar") and Yunus Sajawal.

Now that Bollywood finally has a trilogy, will it please also make one that also has some real standing in the world of cinema?

Facebook In Golmaal 3

No, we are not talking about the famous social networking site, but a dog!

Yes you heard it right. Trust film makers to come up with the wackiest of ideas to entertain their audience!

Golmaal 3 has a huge star cast to boast about, like all Rohit Shetty movies. And if this was not enough, he has even kept the same dog he used in his previous movies! The dog in question plays the role of Kareena's pet in the trilogy.

The writers of this comic caper decided to name Kareena's dog 'Facebook', just to add to the humour of the story.

While we can't stop feeling amused at such a choice, wonder what is the reaction of Facebook fans??!