What most users don’t know is that the new features being introduced are all centered around increasing the value of Facebook to advertisers, to the point where Facebook representatives have been selling the idea that Timeline is actually about re-conceptualizing users around their consumer preferences, or as they put it, “brands are now an essential part of people’s identities.”

Online panel service from Kartik.

For the first time, an agency-designed ad unit goes live on Facebook today. The unit -- called Comments -- is the result of an AdExpo Facebook held last year, where it gathered agencies and challenged them to create a new way for Facebook users to engage with brands. The comments from users and their friends have the ability to become a corresponding sponsored stories. Out of the 100 ideas submitted, Leo Burnett, Chicago's was selected. The move is part of Facebook's initiative to work closer with advertising agencies and creatives.

Facebook is the number one seller of display advertising in the US according to research by eMarketer. It's expected to generate $2.19 billion in US display advertising revenue this year.

Klout has tapped Involver's marketing platform to bring its social influence measurement tools to Facebook. The deal, announced Wednesday, will provide brands with a new way to engage with influential fans and reward consumers based on their influence.
An agency or brand can create a custom experience using Klout scores to unlock the ability to uniquely target connected influencers. Facebook has been largely devoid of the ability to filter how brands focus their attention, so this integration marks the first time brands can engage with their fans on Facebook using Klout's scoring system, according to the companies.

Nearly three-quarters of Facebook users have "liked" at least one brand on the platform and more than a third of users have liked six or more

Stats on FB usage amongst American population / fun facts.