Social software was a big topic at Supernova. Big but not particularly deep.
Facebook was the most talked-about app. Its open API model plays a lot better with this crowd than MySpace. Besides, MySpace is truly useful only for kids, whereas several corporations are playing with Facebook as a reputation and locator system. I’m a member of a group on Facebook where we discuss how it might be used in corporations.
This morning I was pinged by half a dozen people who want to be linked to me. Facebook makes you describe your relationship. Here are the choices:
Given that these are business colleagues, it’s tough to pick a category. How hard could it be to add a few new choices?
I continue to get lots of requests to hook up with people on LinkedIn. Yesterday, during a session on online identity, I asked Reid Hoffman, president of LinkedIn if the new i.d. systems were going to help me with a real problem I have with LinkedIn. My last three buddy requests were from the president of an industry trade association, from an important client, and from a participant in Internet Time Community. I am not comfortable sharing my Rolodex with these people. Nor am I comfortable telling them “No.” Reid said they’re working on that one back at the shop.
At another session, Yahoo’s Mike Spicer said that what’s new is people adding value to the future experience of others.
Martin Varsavky, president of FON, said people don’t inferently seek out networks. It’s more about hanging with people you like.
2 comments ↓
Jay,
Being listed as a contact in LinkedIn doesn’t necessarily mean sharing your Rolodex, since you can always ‘lock’ your contact details so that no one else can see them.
A list of contacts on something like LinkedIn can be just another way of showing one’s social scope and/or the range of one’s personal or professional interests, by association.
Amy
Social networks are fine in terms of hooking up with people, but what about when you actually want to work with them in some meaningful way? That’s where something like Kerika can help. I think you will find this demo interesting: http://www.kerika.com/demo_intro.html
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