One of the things I love about Europe (ok, France in particular) is the food shopping. They still go to the marché in Europe, an open street market, and buy meat from the boucherie, bread at the boulangerie, and cheese from the fromagerie.

It’s worth it to go out of your way and make your purchases from people who are passionate about what they are doing. The experience is richer, and the quality of purchases far superior to the Supermarché, an American throwback to the big box grocery store; a homogenous, concrete box with fluorescent lights, packaged goods and processed foods.

Which is why, when Facebook announced Places, I rolled my eyes. Facebook comments plugin was introduced a few weeks ago and now Facebook Deals is here. Facebook is becoming the Walmart of social media and it’s eroding the experience. I even wonder if it will become its downfall. (more…)