Thing 6: Social Networks 1

In "The Social Networking Faceoff" Iskold writes that "MySpace targets teenagers, college students, music and hip culture" (para. 3). Now, if that's truly the case, then I don't belong on MySpace. They don't want me. I've made my peace with it.

MySpace

MySpace is a tease. I was exploring the homepage, and I saw that the Crush Calculator could reveal which Friend has a crush on me. Naturally, I was curious. But it was all a big lie. They just wanted my personal information, probably so they could send me a virus and/or steal my identity.

I do really like the "cool new people" section. I've been wondering who the cool new people are. It's a relief to be able to locate them so easily.

Facebook

I took the site tour. Far fewer pictures, and far more text, than MySpace. How can I tell if I want a Facebook account if I don't know which cool people are using it? I don't want to join a site if I don't know what the members look like...

Ning

Ning actually looks kinda neat. I like the idea of joining a social network centered around an area of interest. Some of my favorite social networks on Ning:

• The One Tree Hill VIP Lounge (who knew such a thing existed?)
  
• Pall Bearers Society (morbid much?)
• PengSpace (Shout out to Polly Mae!)

Sadly, there is not a social network dedicated to Billy Joel. This is quite an oversite, and if I join I will be sure to rectify the situation. Oh, wait, Ning members may have just redeemed themselves: there are quite a few networks centered around Buffy the Vampire Slayer.