MySpace introduces FotoFlexer's editing tools
The new image-editing tools on MySpace.
(Credit: MySpace)MySpace has brought on board some Web-based image-editing tools from FotoFlexer so that members can fool around with the photos they've uploaded to the site.
It's no Photoshop. But FotoFlexer can perform basic editing tasks (cropping, resizing, flipping, red-eye removal), as well as distortion, color effects, and some decoration and "bling" features (always important).
So far, FotoFlexer on MySpace is available only to U.S. users. The tools will roll out internationally soon, however.
This move makes sense for MySpace. Not only does image editing tie in nicely with its longstanding express-yourself, customize-anything vibe, but it's also a way to keep users on the MySpace domain.
The News Corp.-owned social network has been eclipsed by Facebook in worldwide traffic, but relatively recent ComScore statistics have shown that MySpace users stick around for about twice as long on each visit.
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
If I were to gauge average Myspace use by my own habits, those stats are largely due to the audio, not posting photos. At this point I only use the site to follow bands (for which it is great), so adding photo editing tools adds little value.
Having this on Facebook would be an entirely different story.