Google has apparently applied for a series of patents that will enable it to a put a value on how connected you are, within your social network. Akin to the "pagerank" system used by the search giant for valuing the popularity of websites, "friendrank" would help identify individuals who are particularly influential within circles of friends. This is part of a larger drive by Google to push OpenSocial, and would combine data from many social media sites, such as Facebook and Myspace.

So, Nike might pay a premium to place an ad on Seth Godin's Facebook page. In contrast, my Facebook page would probably only attract the "Click on the mole to win a prize!" crowd.

I have two big issues with this...