Ballmer Calls Facebook A Fad?

How much money would you put towards a fad? The price of a pair of jeans? The cost of a new kitchen counter? Because Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer has used a form of the word “fad” in connection with Facebook, and people are wondering what this signifies for the social network’s future.

After all, it was Microsoft’s interest in Facebook – an interest that supposedly equated $500 million with five percent of the site’s worth – that started a new cycle of hype. Now, in an interview with the Times Online, Ballmer stated, “There can’t be any more deep technology in Facebook than what dozens of people could write in a couple of years. That’s for sure.”

However, the phrases containing the word “fad” indicate that all the excitement wasn’t completely unfounded. “I think these things [social networks] are going to have some legs, and yet there’s a faddishness, a faddish nature about anything that basically appeals to younger people,” Ballmer said.

Ballmer’s comments are somewhat open to interpretation, but Facebook enthusiasts are sure to note how highly the 18-34 age demographic is coveted. Still, adding to the confusion is the question of how “on message” the man may have been – was he voicing Microsoft’s official position, or just his own personal opinion?

Things could go either way. But if Mark Zuckerberg weren’t already fabulously rich, I’d advise him to at least hold off on any kitchen-related renovations.