Avoiding MySpace TOS Violations
One important consideration to make when using MySpace to make money is whether or not you are technically violating their terms of service with your specific use. In the case of most sellers on MySpace, they are actually violating the TOS; however, it seems as if MySpace does not have a particularly big problem with their doing so.
If you plan to sell a product or service through bulletins, you are technically violating the MySpace TOS and can be fined for each individual message you send out. Additionally, if you attempt to sell anything as an affiliate on your actual MySpace profile, you are technically violating the MySpace TOS (although you more than likely will not be called on it).
So what are some forms of activity that do not technically violate the TOS? It’s unclear, but there are a few that are debateable.
One such use is selling ads through an account with a lot of friends, provided that each ad is for a contest. If you do this, you are simply announcing contests are not necessarily in conflict with the TOS; however, it may be arguable that you still are.
Another debateable use of MySpace for commercial purposes involves creating a profile, inviting friends, and then simply advertising your business as your hobby. You could, for instance, put something up about your business in your interests area. You could then direct people to your profile by posting bulletins frequently that are somewhat related to your business.
Another arguably fair use of MySpace involves using it to drive traffic to non-monetized sites. If this site isn’t currently monetized, there isn’t necessarily a problem with directing traffic to it. For instance, if you created a forum and wanted to drive traffic to it, you could technically do it with MySpace, provided it wasn’t a commercial forum. You could then later monetize the forum once you stopped driving traffic to it.
These are all examples of how you can potentially use MySpace to make money without violating their terms of service. Please note that all cases are arguable – and will not guarantee that you do not get banned or fined.