The social networking thing is really starting to get crowded. There are now a variety of social networks dedicated strictly to vertical markets. Though I understand the niche sort of idea, do we really need more than two social networks for cat and dog lovers ?
The NHL, of all people, announced they are also starting a social network for the upcoming season.
What bothers me about most of these new offerings is the lack of new killer features, they are all pretty much the same idea with a different spin. I think it's really going to be tough to match up to MySpace and Youtube but I sure would like to see somebody try.
I was interested to see how many social networks are currently out there so I compiled this list:
- MySpace - the 800 lb. gorilla
- Friendster - the would have could have should have
- LinkedIn - the social network for old people
- TagWorld - the we came out to late but we're cool really
- Facebook - the no creepy guys network, like omg so cool network
- Imbee - the kiddie network
- Vox - the bloggers network
- Multiply - the smart social network
- Youtube - the we're not for sale video network
- Orkut - Google's were only popular in Brazil network
- Yahoo 360 - Yahoo's no one uses this network
That makes 11, that are mostly targeted at the United States. I don't know anyone that wants to go to 11 different sites, let alone 2 or 3. Until someone can combine these or come out with a networking tool that increases value, MySpace will continue to dominate.
How the heck did the word verticle get into it all anyway?
Posted by: Joel | July 28, 2006 at 02:12 PM