The Children's Book Exchange and Pyramid Schemes On Facebook
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| Debs World | BlogSpot |
The idea of having to send one book to another child and getting 36 for your own child is pretty appealing. If I saw such a post on Facebook and had kids, I'd admit that I would be tempted. Even if I would put my own name down rather than my kid's to avoid the risk of disappointment or their name getting out there. But unfortunately, good intentions aside, such schemes are just that, but one of them seems to be making a comeback.
Late last year posts started popping up on Facebook and various blogs suggesting this children's book exchange. All you had to do was message the person who posted the status and your child - or you - would be put on a list of six people, essentially. You would be given a name and address and you would buy a book for that person before receiving books of your own. Of course, you putting your name on the list wouldn't be enough, and you would then have to go on to ask six people yourself. Because of the increasing numbers of people being asked though, not everyone will receive a single book, let alone 36 of them. Sadly, truthfully, the exchange is nothing more than a pyramid scheme.
These new forms of pyramid schemes aren't exactly uncommon on Facebook. The problem with social media is that it becomes easier to share things and people are more likely to believe it if their friends share it. All it takes is one greedy or naive person and then most of their friends wind up signed up to the scheme. Though something like a book or gift exchange isn't as bad a more traditional scheme where the one person at the top is making a lot of money, it does still reek of unfairness. If you're near the top of the list then you would have got books but the more people invited, the less likely you were to get anything.
Some people have posted in articles and social media that they took part in the scheme back in November/December and that they don't regret it. They got a good feeling from sending the book and they got at least one back in return that made their kids happy. Great, but this could be sending the wrong message now this scheme seems to be hanging around again. Just because you don't get burned by the scheme doesn't mean that the people after you wouldn't and some kids really would be upset if they didn't get the promised books. This isn't about thinking yourself smarter as you didn't fall for the scheme; it's about trying to help the people who might not realise.
You should always be wary of what you read on social media. It was only last week where there was a scam telling people there was a Total Wipeout tour and all they had to do was like the page. On a scheme like that at least you're not spending money but most things like this turn out to be scams. So if you see something on Facebook that insists you share or like it then it's probably best to step back and think about what this could actually be asking you to do.
If you don't think you can trust it 100% then don't get involved. Some people on social media might judge you but at least in the end you'd know that you're safe.
Rosina is a Songbird rookie with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is hoping that Content Writing will turn out to be a good career choice in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
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The Children's Book Exchange and Pyramid Schemes On Facebook
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, March 17, 2016
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Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
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