OK — I got the most interesting email request yesterday.

There is a new application on Facebook called TextToChat.  What is does is allow people that can see your Facebook profile the ability to “chat” with you via cell phone text messaging.  The person contacting you from Facebook sees a web-based chat application, and you communicate with them via text message.

Curious about the app, I installed it.  Now, let me tell you up front that it costs $6/month — more on that later.  I tested it briefly.  Unfortunately, it did not work for me.  I could receive texts, but not reply to them from my phone.  Bummer — because it was actually pretty neat.  I think it is a pretty cool idea for an application.

Because of the fact that it did not work for me, I am not promoting the application.  In fact, I canceled it.  Of course, the application is new, and I am sure that the problem is either on my end, or it will be fixed soon.

But, you might like it.  If you do, you can join through the guy that referred me.

Here Is The Rub

There is a multi-level affiliate program attached to the program.  Each person that you refer gets you $2 of the $6 fee.  On top of that, you get $0.25 for each referral they make — all the way down to level 8!.

The application is being marketed as a way to make money — not really as a cool application that improves Facebook.  It is very interesting, and you can see the video here.  (Careful – if you join, I the guy I mentioned above gets $2). Note that I know that guy (he seems like a nice guy and often comments here), but I am not affiliated with him or TextToChat in any way.

Now this MLM approach has some people pretty upset.  I am not really weighing in on the appropriateness of this here, but some people are.

I'd like to hear what you think?  Is this sort of promotion good or bad for Facebook?