A Lonely Guy on the Social Network
Posted by Steven Richardson on August 23, 2007
Okay, I have to admit it; social networking is really not working out for me. Although I do believe that it is a phenomenon in the technology world, it just hasn’t been for me. I did create my family blog on Ning, but my Facebook and Orkut memberships are going nowhere. The problem is that the people I know aren’t on those networks, and those with common interests (Knights of Columbus, fellow school alums) won’t be “friends” with me. I log in periodically to see if there is anything new, any Comments on my “wall” or any Friend invitations, but nothing. Robert Scoble periodically blogs on Facebook about how useful it can be, but he can do that: he has over 4,000 friends! On the other hand, I have two, and one of them is Robert Scoble! I guess he’ll be friends with anybody!
Perhaps it’s a “critical mass” sort of thing; you need a certain amount of friends for it to be worthwhile. It’s like the comedian Gallagher once said: People seem to like a crowd; the bigger the crowd, the more people show up for it. Then again, maybe the pundits are right, and social networking is more for the 15-25 set, and I am just too old for this stuff (geez, I hope that’s not the reason; I don’t like being too old for anything, especially technology). I am somewhat comforted, however, by reading some blogs of other people who just don’t “get” this whole thing, who signed up because of the buzz, and who found themselves with an empty “wall” and generally nothing happening on their profile. But maybe they’re just “over the hill” like me.
You know something is a success though when other people take the time and talent to post a video about it on YouTube. This one is a very clever spoof of the eHarmony commercials that really pokes (pardon the pun) fun at Facebook and how seriously some people take it. Feel free to enjoy and share!
Clarence said
Steve,
Nice article. Interesting. May I suggest that you try group-social networking on CollectiveX.com — or to find an existing group that interests you, visit Groupsites.com
I’d be curious to hear your results.
Clarence
John Feeney said
Your not alone. The is 2 problems in creating social networks: first, everyone wants you to join theirs. second, participation - once one joins how many actually contribute content.
Your leadership in participation with other groups should lead people too click-thru and with like minds, your postings that relate to others should activate the modivation to join.
This does not happen overnight. Look at the BAR Assoc blogs - we started one that gains popularity weekly but let me assure you it has been over 2 years in the making
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