taarmen wrote:If Facebook buys Waze, I am leaving. No point in using Waze instead of Google Maps.

Why? Even if nothing changes operationally?

taarmen wrote:Yes, it's about my privacy and probably they start showing adds. How else would they make money of it?

How do you think Waze intended to monetize it?

At least let it happen before you start labeling them as sell-outs!

crap-im-lost wrote:Yes, I realize it's a rumor.

My main point, which I didn't express very well was:
people threatening to leave if it happens isn't going to change the mind of anyone at waze.

And neither it should because it will be a relatively small number realistically!

jmp316 wrote:

gettingthere wrote:Another day, another takeover rumor. Who cares who owns what? If it stays as a 'free' navigation application and does what you want, use it.

Such big threats. "I will quit being your free customer if you do this." Funny.

Without the users, the are no map updates, driving data, no one to advertise to. I suspect users leaving waze in large quantities would be a concern...

Large quantities? A thread of 30 odd posts suggests anything but large quantities!

Facebook has pretty granular security settings these days, share what you want, including nothing whatsoever if that's your thing. That and I do wonder what secrets all you people so dead against it actually have. Lighten up. There's more of a security issue using waze itself than you could ever have from being a 100% passive FB user.

Sometimes I wonder if it's just fashionable to hate FB.

The argument of not wanting to edit for Facebook is just as empty, why? Do you think you'll get any more or less in return vs what you get from waze as an independent entity? Chances are with leveraging FB's userbase you actually get a better, more full experience in return.

So in summary, stop being outraged for the sake of it.

Cue drama...

robenroute wrote:As has been said before, it's the users who supply a big chunk of the data. And it's those same users that are of interest to FB. They (would) make money through me. I supply Waze with lots of map data, traffic data and what have you. FB's business model is based on commodification (of users): turning users into production assets. That is something I'm very much against. They can do that, but without me.

Waze/Facebook, both intend to monetize it the same way.

People have to make a living, servers have to be paid for. Nothing is free.

razor2k wrote:dmcconachie,

As a waze champ (meaning you) I am kinda shocked by your lackadaisical attitude. I understand the logistics of the situation and I can't say I disagree, but c'mon man...we all have a lot of time invested in this project. Unless you're a facebook fan, I don't understand your defense

A fair point, would I rather Waze remained independent? Yes. However whether it happens now, in a year or in 5 years I would suggest it was inevitable from the outset, I guess I've just come to terms with it and given I have next to influence over the outcome I have to look for the positives and hope that as a Champ I can convince the wider community that I firmly believe Waze has a future no matter who the parent is.

I_vanl wrote:I am against FB's open policy been a social network so going to reduce my involvement until this is resolved. FB is still looking to commercialise always so its getting free data from us all. Quite sad.

That is no different from the Waze approach, I'm shocked that people can't see this.