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Mashable Mark Zuckerberg Facebook

Facebook users can send messages to VIP accounts for $100 per message

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By Jennifer Faull | Deputy Editor

January 12, 2013 | 2 min read

Looking to send a message to Mark Zuckerberg? Well, soon you will be able to for the fee of $100, or £61.

The company has said that it is testing 'extreme price points' for the scheme, which allows users to contact high-profile figures for a fee, as its tries to increase revenue from its 1 billion users.

The cost of access to these VIP accounts – including that of founder Mark Zuckerberg – will vary depending on its popularity.

The move comes following a December trial, during which Facebook introduced a $1 charge to send a message to the Facebook inbox of someone who is not already a friend. Facebook said at the time it was an "economic signal to determine relevance" and help organise users' messages.

At the time a Facebook spokesperson said: "If you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their Inbox. For the receiver, this test allows them to hear from people who have an important message to send them."

The latest offer was spotted by Mashable reporter Chris Taylor who tried to message Zuckerberg, but was told the message would be routed to the less visible "other" folder, unless he paid the $100 fee.

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that the company is testing "some extreme price points to see what works to filter spam".

Mashable Mark Zuckerberg Facebook

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