Social networking: The coming shift

Sometimes, change is so imperceptible that you don't notice what's different until very late in the game. Is that what's going on in the world of social networking?

Could be. Even though it's become such a mainstream part of the Internet, social networking may be changing in important ways. Indeed, Joe Kraus of Google gave a talk on the very subject at the SuperNova conference. Webware editor in chief Rafe Needleman, who was on hand, later joined me for a recap.

[AshleyJustMeans]

Hi Charles,<br /><br />I was reading your blog and watched the video ?Social networking: The coming shift? and I thought it was very interesting because of my work in social networking at JustMeans.<br /><br />As you mentioned, the uses and applications of social networking is definitely changing. While it is getting more personalized , new specialized, niche social networks are also developing. Through my work at JustMeans, I help to develop a social network for individuals and companies that are interested in social responsibility and creating positive world change.<br /><br />If you think JustMeans could be interesting for your readers, let me know because I can have our CEO and founder, Martin Smith, answer any of your questions or set up a behind-the-scenes tour of the platform.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Ashley Fidel<br />JustMeans New York Associate<br />www.justmeans.com<br />[e-mail]

[life_coach_marketing]

My social network www.BIGLIFE.ws is a niche network where people can meet their best matched life coach. It's a good example of a Ning network which uses 'open social' so you can login under a single ID.<br /><br />I like the concept of www.NESTING.com and www.COZI.com which combine a reader, calendar etc (like a Google page) with a social network. This is more in line with what you are talking about.<br /><br />I think I will make that my next step to improve BigLife.ws, adding these features.<br /><br />That's the great thing about these social widgets, we can just plug them in anywhere!<br /><br />~Victory Darwin

[qnahealth]

Niche social networks are a welcome addition to the web. Because they are more narrowly focused, they are better able to serve the needs of their community.<br /><br />The large generic social networks like Facebook and Myspace are great for keeping in touch with friends, but small social networks offer much more - people just like you who share your same passions.<br /><br />&lt;a href='http://www.qnahealth.com'&gt;Qnahealth&lt;/a&gt; is a new social network for health related information and support. It's designed to be friendly and easy to use and is focused around users asking and answering questions and sharing their experiences and knowledge.<br /><br />We invite everyone to take a look as they explore their online health information options.<br /><br />Niche social networks are a welcome addition to the web. Because they are more narrowly focused, they are better able to serve the needs of their community.<br /><br />The large generic social networks like Facebook and Myspace are great for keeping in touch with friends, but small social networks offer much more - people just like you who share your same passions.<br /><br />&lt;a href='http://www.qnahealth.com'&gt;Qnahealth&lt;/a&gt; is a new social network for health related information and support. It's designed to be friendly and easy to use and is focused around users asking and answering questions and sharing their experiences and knowledge.<br /><br />We invite everyone to take a look as they explore their online health information options.<br /><br />We welcome bloggers!