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Social Networks are New Media

2006-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Social Networks are the New Media
Posted in MySpace + Social Networks
By Robert Young 05.29.06

No one can argue that MySpace has been the “it girl” for the past year. And the fact that she belongs to Rupert Murdoch only seems to have heightened the envy, and gotten everyone’s knickers in a twist. As a result, it seems that nearly every media company and venture capital fund on the planet is out on the dance floor stumbling over one another to see if they can identify the next breathless social networking beauty. Yet in all this craziness, it would behoove those looking into this space to step back for a moment, take a deep breath, and realize something fundamental… social networking is a micro-phenomenon of a much larger macro-trend that the Internet has spawned since its birth… digital self-expression.

And today’s social networks (along with other forms of social media, like blogging and online video-sharing) are just the tip of iceberg when it comes to the long-term potential of digital self-expression.
Much like corporations leveraged Internet 1.0 by creating digital storefronts and giving rise to ecommerce, people around the world are now learning how to leverage the incredible power inherent in the URL to create what is essentially a parallel universe of digital identities.

And just like all things Internet, digital identities are not subject to the boundaries of geography, or the laws of physics, or any of the other limitations of being a carbon-based life-form. As such, the extensibility and scale of the “digital you” is far-reaching, as are the strategic implications to the media industry. In many ways, the art-form of self-expression has become the “new media”, and social networks are their distribution channels.

It’s crucial to understand that social networks are architected to help scale self-expression to new heights, both in terms of the extent of self-expression as well as the reach of distribution (e.g. number of “friends” and the effects of the whole six degrees of separation thing). A simple example… a person on MySpace can have thousands upon thousands of friends. This was not possible before the Internet, and even prior online communications & community innovations like email, chat/forums, and IM didn’t truly enable this kind of scale. Moreover, a person can now express him/herself with multidimensional, multimedia depth via text, photos, audio and video… again, to a degree that was not really possible before.

To some extent, self-expression should be viewed as a new industry, one that will co-exist alongside other traditional media industries like movies, TV, radio, newspapers and magazines. But in this new industry, the raw materials for the “products” are the people… or as Marshall McLuhan might say, “the people are the message” when it comes to social networks. So for any player who seeks to enter this industry and become the next social networking phenom, the key is to look at self-expression and social networks as a new medium and to view the audience itself as a new generation of “cultural products”.

In the past century, the creation of cultural products was centered in Hollywood. Now, social networks are broadening the scope of cultural media to include “identity production” (a very appropriate term coined by danah boyd), all the while decentralizing the ecosystem out to the edges. For traditional media companies that are seeking to enter this space (e.g. MTV, Martha Stewart, etc.), it’s critical to follow the audience into the development of this new market by re-focusing core assets that have the capability to deepen the level, and heighten the production value, of self-expression.

Think of this way… what if “American Idol” had been produced solely by the capabilities of the contestants themselves, without the expertise and talent of the show’s producers, directors, writers, etc. As talented and entertaining as the contestants are, the resulting production quality, the level of emotional engagement, viewership/ratings and monetization potential of the full package would likely be far inferior to what we all see on the air today. Well, social networks should be seen in a similar way… people want to express themselves and the platforms that allow them to do so with the most creativity and production value, are the ones that people will flock to.

Robert Young is a serial entrepreneur who played a major role in the invention & commercialization of the world’s first consumer ISP, Internet advertising (pay-per-click ads), free email, and digital media superdistribution.

Quizzes and Surveys for MySpace.com web logs

2006-03-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Are you a MySpace user? If you are, then you might just enjoy checking out some fun quizzes and surveys for MySpace.com web logs. Try them out and let us... read more @ About.com -In the Spotlight

Blog Quizzes, Surveys, Memes and Polls 101

2006-03-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Blog Quizzes, Surveys, Memes and Polls 101
A brief introduction and some guidelines regarding the world of blog quizzes, surveys, memes and polls.

Making Money with Your Blog? (Part II)

2006-03-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Jason Calacanis (Part II Interview)
is Part II of an interview with Jason Calacanis.

( Please go here for Part I. )

What do you say to people who 'tut-tut' when talking about cashing in on web logs? Why do you think people think that you are "selling out" if you wish to earn money from blogging?

Keeping a Travel Blog

2006-03-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Keeping a Travel Blog
Wherever you may be going in the world, consider starting a weblog of your trip with stories, photos, and more of your journey.

Get a JOB with a BLOG

2006-03-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

Jump Start Your Career With a Blog

Here's a short interview with Jason S. Gorham (CEO, Career Meta Search) about using Job Search Blogs as a way to start your career. It also talks about why employers should sit up and take notice of job search blogs as a great way to hire someone.

How To Get A Book Deal With Your Blog

2006-03-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

How To Get A Book Deal With Your Blog
These are some tips and ideas from Biz Stone on how to get published (and paid) as a blogger.

10 Ways To Create Content For Your Weblog

2006-03-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

10 Ways To Create Content For Your Weblog
Stuck and unable to blog? Feeling uninspired? Here are ten ways you can beat your blogger's block!

How to: Add Audio Content Blog?

2006-03-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

How Do I Add Audio Content To My Weblog?
Find out the basic ways to add audio content to your weblog.

Top Ten Tips on Promoting Your Blog

2006-03-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Tips on Promoting Your Blog
Learn how to promote your blog and find readers. These tips should give you some ideas on how you can gain exposure for your weblog.

RSS 2.0 Specification

2006-03-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

RSS 2.0 Specification
This includes a quick introduction to what RSS is, its elements, and other basic definitions. It also has links to issues, samples, how tos, specifications, and more. This is written by Dave Winer for the Harvard Law web site.

Blogs in Education: Weblogg-ed Interview

2006-03-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Blogs in Education: Weblogg-ed Interview
Will Richardson is an academic blogging advocate and the supervisor of IT and Communications at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. In this feature, he shares some views, tips, and ideas on the use of weblogs in education by teachers and students.

What Are Event or Temp Blogs?

2006-03-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

What Are Event or Temp Blogs?
This is a definition and an explanation of event, temp or project blogs.

Blogs as Social Software and Social NetworksScott

2006-03-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Blogs as Social Software and Social Networks
Scott Allen, a Social/Business Networking specialist and About Guide to the Entrepreneurs site, shares some insights and ideas on the use of blogs in networking.

Top Free Blog Software / Hosting for Bloggers

2006-03-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Blogs seem to be popping up everywhere on the Web. With so many free blog software and hosts available, it can be downright confusing. And, one of the most common questions is: "What are the best free blog software or systems out there?" So, if you're one of those looking for the best free blog platforms available, here are some of the most recommended free blog systems. by About.com

1) WordPress
This free blog software is b2/cafelog's official successor. It has a great interface and useful features like 'private' posting (password-protected), file uploads, and more. You need PHP version 4.1 or greater, MySQL version 3.23.23 or greater, and The Apache mod_rewrite module (optional, for the nice URI functions) on your server.
See WordPress Profile

2) Blogger.com
This is one of the most popular free blog hosts.
Users can create a personal or a group blog for free - either by using their hosted service (BlogSpot) or one's own web host.
See Blogger.com Profile

3) Movable Type
This is a popular blog software among bloggers who like to manipulate web designs, formats, and functions. However, you need to have some programming skills (or pay for an installation service) and your own web host. While there is a free blog version, some bloggers might find the licensing agreement with this too limiting. For more flexibility, there are several licensing fee options for both personal and commercial users.
See Movable Type Profile

4) Greymatter
It is the 'original opensource weblogging and journal software' on the web (Read: Free blog platform). Installation to a server that supports Perl 5 software is required. It has several features like comments, 'karma' voting, templates, search, and bookmarklet.
Read The Software Review: Greymatter

5) Live Journal
This popular free blog host is preferred by many individuals who enjoy a community-based blogging system. It is web-based and the sign-up process is quick and easy. There's also a premium version.
See LiveJournal Profile

6) Multiply
This is where blogging meets social networking. It also supports photo blogging and video/audio uploads. There are three membership levels: Free, Gold, and Platinum.
See Multiply Profile

7) Xanga
This free blog platform is web-based. There is also a 'premium' (paid) version. It is growing in popularity, especially because of its community. Just sign-up and you will get a free blog going soon enough.
Read The Software Review: Xanga

8) 20Six UK
This is a UK-based free blog host that has some nifty features including image hosting, statistics, categories, RSS/XML feed, voting, and comments functions. One special feature it has that many blog hosts don't offer is the support for mobile blogging (posting to your blog using MMS and/or email). They have recently introduced paid versions of this blog system.
How To Set Up a Blog Using 20Six (UK)

9) MindSay
This free blog system offers features and plugins including templates, friends' list, favorite links, music playlists, recent visitors list, comments, and ratings.
How To Set Up a Blog Using MindSay

MySpace Blog Quizzes & Surveys

2006-03-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Are you a MySpace user? If you are, then you might just enjoy checking out some fun quizzes and surveys for MySpace.com web logs. Try them out and let us...read more

How Do I Add Categories To My Blogger.com Web Log?

2006-03-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I found about Labelr, a service that enables bloggers to create categories in Blogger.com. However, it's still in beta and it's not available for use to...read more

On Favicons

2006-03-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

If you want to learn more about favicons for your web logs, then this short piece may serve as your introduction. There are even links to free favicon maker...read more @ About.com In the Spotlight

Social Networking Panel at the Wharton Technology Conference

2006-03-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

Social Networking Panel at the Wharton Technology Conference
With the empowerment of communities, businesses and other institutions might be "losing control" both of their brand and their workforce. - by Irving Wladawsky-Berger

I recently participated in the Wharton Technology Conference, which is run by the students of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

I moderated a Social Networking panel that included Sebastian Paquet from Social Text, a startup developing social software solutions for business; Jason Ford from Tocquigny Advertising, Interactive + Marketing; Emily Melton from Draper Fisher Jurveston, an early-stage venture capital firm; and Tom Cox from America Online.

The Internet has become an increasingly effective platform for collaborative applications that enable people to organize into online communities of all sorts, and as a result, social networks have emerged as a major force in the marketplace. Blogs, wikis and different kinds of social software are helping large numbers of people connect, collaborate and find each other online.

Social networks are a major part of what many refer to as the second phase of the World Wide Web or Web 2.0. While some may argue that the term Web 2.0 is more marketing hype than actual substance, just about everyone will agree that the Web is becoming much more participatory and collaborative.

Over the last several months I have personally become more involved in social networking activities, driven by my interests in the evolution of the Internet, collaborative innovation, and in particular, my embrace of blogging in May 2005. I have participated in IBM's social networking events, industry panels and blogging roundtables.

In my blog, I have posted entries about the growing power of communities in a number of areas like open source software, improving the quality of patents, contributing knowledge to the Web and the use of Internet-enabled worldwide discussions to help make decisions on important subjects.

There is something very appealing about the notion of empowering communities and tapping into their emergent wisdom.

Photocasts with BubbleShare

2006-03-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

How To Create Photocasts with BubbleShare
Photocasting tutorial on How To Create Photocasts with BubbleShare. Although BubbleShare is a free service...read more

Social Networking and Blogging

2006-03-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

About: Social Networking and Blogging
Blogging, in general, is a social activity. That's why About Entrepreneurs Guide Scott Allen definitely had a lot of good points when he wrote Blogs as Social Software and Social...read more

ABOUT BLOGS101

2006-02-24T03:24:00.000-08:00

Web Logs 101: Blogging for Beginners: Lesson 1: Just The Blogging Basics
1.1 - Basic Blogging Terms 1.2 - The Components of Weblogs 1.3 - Types of Bloggers 1.4 - Blog Reader Basics 1.5 - Learn From Other Bloggers 1.6 - Helpful Hints for Beginners Discuss or Ask About This Lesson

from Sheila Ann Manuel Coggins Hello and welcome to this free online course, Web Logs 101: Blogging for Beginners.

In this first lesson, you will get acquainted with this thing called a weblog. To read the sections of this lesson in full, just click on the appropriate titles. You need to be online to do this. You may also post questions, share thoughts and give feedback on the lessons of this course at the forums. Happy blogging!

1.1 - Basic Blogging Terms

Top 10 Terms That You Should Know About Blogs

In the world of web logs, you will encounter many different terms. The 10 most important terms you should know are: Web Logs (weblogs/blogs), blogger, blogosphere/blogistan, RSS, atom, trackback, ping, blogroll, permalink and aggregator.

For more blogging terms, check out the Web Logs Glossary.

1.2 - The Components of Weblogs

Blog Anatomy
Other than understanding the different blogging terms, it is helpful to know the different parts or components of a weblog. Some of the components include: Blog Title, Subtitle, Date Stamp, Entry Title, Entry's Main Body, Blog Author, Comments Tag and Time Stamp, among others.
1.3 - Types of Bloggers

Who Uses Blogs?
There are varied types of bloggers out there. However, they may be categorized in to four main types as follows: Personal bloggers, Business bloggers, Organizational bloggers and Professional bloggers.

1.4 - Blog Reader Basics

Who Reads Blogs?
Blog readers are as varied as blog keepers. To learn more about them, read this piece on blog reader demographics.

1.5 - Learn From Other Bloggers

Reading Other Weblogs
One great way to learn about blogging is to read other weblogs. Here are some recommended weblogs arranged by categories or themes.

1.6 - Helpful Hints for Beginners

6 Tips For Beginning Bloggers
There are 6 things you need to consider when beginning a blog. They are as follows: Hosting, Content, Theme, Updates, Features, and Community.