The Psychology of Facebook
An edited volume byBJ Fogg, Ph.D., & colleagues
Persuasive Technology Lab
Stanford University
Do you have insights into . . .
* What makes Facebook so engaging, even addictive?
* How friends influence Facebook friends online?
* How Facebook is designed to change people's behaviors and attitudes?
Then you should write for a new book edited by BJ Fogg and colleagues.
We're bringing together the best 25 authors to write the best 25 chapters about the psychology of Facebook. This edited volume will be distributed in late August 2008. (Yes, that's fast! But we did our last book in just seven weeks. It was fast work, but the book is a great collection. See Mobile Persuasion on Amazon.)
The Process
1. Write something interesting that matches the book's theme -- persuasion psychology on Facebook
2. Post your chapter online (probably in some private spot people can't find).
3. Send an email to BJ Fogg with a note and a link to your online chapter -- bjfogg@stanford.edu
4. BJ and the editorial board will review your chapter for fit and length.
5. Peers will review your chapter (usually blind reviews).
6. The chapters with the highest ratings will go into the book.
Focus on ideas, not final editing
Right now, we want authors to focus on communicating their ideas, not on grammar or spelling (we will help edit and polish your work later). In other words, at this point, we will evaluate the manuscripts based on quality of ideas and potential to give insight.
Please note that your chapter must relate to how motivation and persuasion works on Facebook. This book is not about anthropology, ethics, or even general psychology. The focus is on the psychology of persuasion. That's what makes Facebook so unusual.
Deadlines & Schedule
May 24 @ midnight
Email BJ Fogg by May 24, pointing him to a URL with your chapter (don't send files)
June 4 -- First round of peer reviews sent to you
June 31 -- Final book chapter due from authors
August 28 -- Book printed and ready for distribution
Chapter Requirements
* Your chapter must focus on the psychology of Facebook, especially in how persuasion takes place online.
* Your chapter should be between 800 and 2000 words. This is a strict limit.
* Graphics are good as long as you can secure permissions.
Other Insights
Audience -- Smart people who know something about Facebook, but they are not experts.
Tone -- Be friendly and insightful.
Approaches -- Share opinions, research, or personal experience. Various approaches are welcome.
Bottom Line -- Be interesting! Write the kind of chapter that your friends would like to read.
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a few more things you should know . . .
The Publisher
We will publish and distribute the book as a shared effort with BJ Fogg and Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab. Down the road, we may license the book to a larger publisher that has a compelling distribution record.
Distribution
The book will be publicized widely and available online via Amazon and other sources. We are now discussing a publicity deal with a large media organization. We'll move forward one way or the other with getting your work into print. The book will also be part of a college-level teaching materials.
The Legalities
You will need to sign a contract that allows us to publish and distribute your work. We won't exploit you. The contract will give you lots of rights, including the right to republish your work as you see fit. You will get 5 free copies of the printed book.
Questions?
Contact Dr. BJ Fogg -- bjfogg@stanford.edu