idiomag

Read/Write Web have an interesting article focusing on Flixter, which ends up discussing the future of social networking.

It seems quite clear that many commentators are starting to draw a distinction between networking-for-pleasure and networking-for-purpose. In one way, this is absolutely true: There are now a few large networks that have no real function other than facilitating social interaction. But on the other hand, surely its very Web 1.0 (I hear the groans) to separate out the social from the purposeful, especially when the sheer volume of ‘Myspacers’ and ‘Facebookers’ prove that there is a purpose (albeit a non-commercial one) in interacting online.

Just as the large “generic” social networks are meeting a need, a host of new networks are growing to meet more tangible and specific needs. Linkedin is the place to network for business. Change.org is the place to discuss and plan social activism. And as more organisations build in networking aspects that add to their services (rather than just surrounding their services), it will be seen as a vital part of commercial and personal activity.

A prime example of this is seen in product reviews. I would not consider buying a new camera without reading online reviews of the product. In fact (and here’s the killer point), I would probably go to the internet with no fixed make/model in mind, but just open to what the millions of other consumers recommend. And (some would say unfortunately) this is the basis of most effective and sustainable networks: A clear and robust revenue model. As networks start meeting specific needs more effectively, and start to become more closely linked with action, we will start to see a range of profitable services-with-networks, rather than the current abundance of networks-with-slightly-relevant-services-tagged-on.