As Social Platforms continue to evolve in 2008, brands have to decide why to use Facebook or Bebo in their promotional efforts.

One reason? Facebook polices its platform. Widget makers Slide and RockYou have proven that they’ll resort to any means necessary to encourage growth, including irrefutably “black hat” tactics. Recent changes, like the spam-resistant limitations announced in this post show that Facebook is committed to plugging holes.

Will other social networks take the same action? Facebook doesn’t address changes instantly, but it at least stops abusers. Slide and RockYou have made it clear- they’ll stop at nothing to grow their base. The question is, will OpenSocial and other nascent platforms be vigilant enough to protect their users?

A brand has to be associated with a friendly platform, for its own reputation and for the right to a fair playing field. Facebook has room for abuse. But on other social networks, it may not even be a fair contest.