Comments on: Is There a Need for Niche Social Networks? http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/ The Social Times covers news, analysis and insight pertaining to the social web. Learn how to brand yourself and your company via the social web. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:16:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Jonathan Kleiman http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-706 Jonathan Kleiman Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:59:45 +0000 http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-706 I think there are some pretty cool niched networks. See my article on Legal Intellects: http://tinyurl.com/3dab6w I think there are some pretty cool niched networks.

See my article on Legal Intellects:
http://tinyurl.com/3dab6w

]]> By: Jonathan Kleiman http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-4576 Jonathan Kleiman Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:59:45 +0000 http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-4576 I think there are some pretty cool niched networks.<br><br>See my article on Legal Intellects:<br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/3dab6w">http://tinyurl.com/3dab6w</a> I think there are some pretty cool niched networks.

See my article on Legal Intellects:
http://tinyurl.com/3dab6w

]]> By: Chip Griffin http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-703 Chip Griffin Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:35:20 +0000 http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-703 Social networks are in reality specialized niches. We each create our own niche, or join one that already exists. What you are really speaking to is the proliferation of platforms on which this interaction can occur. If you look at Facebook or MySpace as a monolith, then you are making a strategic mistake. People don't join any of these large social networking sites to interact with a huge number of people, but rather a narrow social network of friends, colleagues, or others with whom they share some tie. Ultimately, people must choose to participate in the social network(s) that have the most appeal and value to them, regardless of whether they exist on one of the broad platforms or on a more narrowly tailored one. Also, keep in mind that social networking need not consume a lot of time in the aggregate. Some social networks may encourage constant participation with lots of updates, but others may be used on a much more infrequent basis while still providing value. Think of it as the difference between Twitter (which is frequent and ongoing) versus LinkedIn (which is sporadic and targeted). Social networks are in reality specialized niches. We each create our own niche, or join one that already exists. What you are really speaking to is the proliferation of platforms on which this interaction can occur.

If you look at Facebook or MySpace as a monolith, then you are making a strategic mistake. People don’t join any of these large social networking sites to interact with a huge number of people, but rather a narrow social network of friends, colleagues, or others with whom they share some tie.

Ultimately, people must choose to participate in the social network(s) that have the most appeal and value to them, regardless of whether they exist on one of the broad platforms or on a more narrowly tailored one.

Also, keep in mind that social networking need not consume a lot of time in the aggregate. Some social networks may encourage constant participation with lots of updates, but others may be used on a much more infrequent basis while still providing value. Think of it as the difference between Twitter (which is frequent and ongoing) versus LinkedIn (which is sporadic and targeted).

]]> By: Joshua March http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-702 Joshua March Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:22:56 +0000 http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-702 I'll add to that, I expect to see far more branded 'community' focused applications coming out as we see the decline in spam/gimmick applications caused by general fatigue and the tightening of the notification/spam rules on Facebook and other platforms. I’ll add to that, I expect to see far more branded ‘community’ focused applications coming out as we see the decline in spam/gimmick applications caused by general fatigue and the tightening of the notification/spam rules on Facebook and other platforms.

]]> By: Joshua March http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-701 Joshua March Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:21:23 +0000 http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/02/is-there-a-need-for-niche-social-networks/#comment-701 Hi Nick, This is a valid point. A year ago, it could have been countered with the fact that niche social networks may have been able to include applications targeted towards their niche audience. However, with the open application platforms, it's now possible to create bespoke communities with any features you want by using applications, and these can even be cross platform (e.g. allowing Facebook app users to interact with MySpace app users). This is something very relevant, as it is now much easier and cheaper for brands to create custom communities using applications that trying to get users to sign up to whole new social networks. Josh Hi Nick,

This is a valid point. A year ago, it could have been countered with the fact that niche social networks may have been able to include applications targeted towards their niche audience. However, with the open application platforms, it’s now possible to create bespoke communities with any features you want by using applications, and these can even be cross platform (e.g. allowing Facebook app users to interact with MySpace app users).

This is something very relevant, as it is now much easier and cheaper for brands to create custom communities using applications that trying to get users to sign up to whole new social networks.

Josh

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