Submission + - Is Facebook (or G+ or MySpace) Popularity the Next American Idol? (facebook.com)
rootmon writes: "Could the "Like" or "+" button replace the toll free numbers that everyone calls in to vote for on American Idol and other talent shows? Since it requires a person to be logged in, there isn't the same level of anonymity — you can ensure each identify can only vote one — so it's harder to "stuff the ballot box". It might also lead to further discussion in social circles via comments and shares. Do you /.'s out there think this is more or less democratic and fair or judging talent? Is thsi the end ::gasp:: for Simon? Will this lead more to fads and trends (a la memes) or will this lead to indie bands that the people really enjoy becoming more popular than the toy boy manufactured bands and repackaged beats that the RIAA has tried to force feed each new generation? Please share your thoughts my friends. Disclaimer: I included a link to my friend Sonny who is participating in such an experiment? I'll send a Free Cowboy Neal fanboy t-short to the guy who most accurately guesses (in the comments below) the final number of votes Sonny gets from all social media in the next 4 days, or if you're a local member of the /. meetup I'll buy ya a beer next meetup."