I don’t think you guys agree with Ms. Molly Wood’s thought that social networking doesn’t work - http://www.cnet.com/4520-6033_1-6240543-1.html, unless you are far from “Facebook”.
She grumbles that “there's nothing to do there, it takes too much time, traffic alone isn't enough, strangers kind of suck (or, put nicely, the social hierarchy is really not that attractive), and we already have the internet”.
If she’s right, would we keep sticking to Facebook like that? As a Facebook beginner, even I have contacted Facebook more than twice a day. Also, “Cyworld”, a Korean social networking website, which I’ve used since 2004, is the easiest and cheapest way to keep in touch with my friends in Korea.
Well, for me, it is partly true that there’s not much to do in Facebook and Cyworld, except checking out my “wall” and “visitors”. Still, they are like the second realm of life to many people, and I don’t think people can live without them, including me.
However, those so-far successful social networking websites should not just be satisfied with status quo. That is to say, they can’t survive if they just let them hang out in their websites without any taking care of or even controlling them.
Therefore, they need to renovate themselves constantly and keep throwing baits to users for them to be obsessed with the websites.
I think that’s why Facebook changed its format a little bit in spite of the users’ complaints. Although the users don’t really like sudden change, if they get used to it “too much”, they get bored of it and try to find something more fun and something that give them more challenge.
Actually, Cyworld adds little things reform minor stuffs frequently and, once or even twice a year, totally “renovate” the whole website. Of course, the users grumble about occasional temporary shutdowns – usually from 2am to 6am – due to reforming, but they feel new challenges, which make them enjoy, and are willing to stick to it.
Furthermore, Cyworld has developed items to decorate the users’ “mini-homepage”, such as font, tile, music, wallpaper, etc., and the users are willing to buy them only with a little money and sometimes ask their friends to buy those items to them as presents. As you may see, since the users have their own “home” they are managing in this website, they are reluctant to leave the website. Also, in business view, this gets the website profits, beyond just offering banner ads.
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8 comments:
I do agree with Molly that there is not is not much to do on Facebook. I never really was into the concept of Facebook. Probally because I don't have time to waste. I don't agree with you about the fact the world cannot survive with it. It did prior to it and will if it no longer exist.
If facebook was to not exist I am positve there would be another form of social networking to take its place. Either way, I think the future of facebook will soon be global.
Allison, are you agreeing with the importance of social networking websites, although you don't like Facebook?
If so, I am with you, and it sounds reasonable. Because, I never agree that all the websites will survive and are enjoyable.
The reason why I pointed out Facebook is to give a example of social networking sites, since Facebook seems the most usual site for everyone in our class.
If you don't like Facebook, it sounds more than ok to me, who don't like it very much either.
But, I would say we shouldn't overlook that Facebook is one of the most popular social networking tools for colleage students.
Need of renovate, I agree with you, Sang Min. But Facebook seemes that it doesn’t know in what way Facebook renovate itself. I think so because I remember the chaos, which happened last year. Facebook added Mini-feed, and you know, “Anti Mini-feed movement” occurred. And now Facebook added a job seeking profile creating function, but nobody in our class said they will use it. How it renovate will be a problem.
Yes, Yuriko.
I don't think all changes will not be guaranteed to be successful. That's why those websites need to speculate what to change and what to remain seriously.
Hmmm...Sang Min, you make a couple of really valid points.
You really made me think about the whole "new facebook" issue.
See, it was absolutely annoying to me, but it forced me to log on and re-vamp all of my privacy settings. Also, I would not have gone on there if like seven people had not come up and said "have you seen facebook lately???"
so really, I guess even for those who did not like the new set up, they were still compelled to go on for one reason or another. So
I guess that's the answer to Yuriko's comment....I mean think about it... she said, a "anti-minifeed movement" occured....doenst that require logging on and participation???
I could agree with you that social networking websites need to as you call it "renovate" in order to be in to be more up to date. I guess the changes would come more likely from the users feedback about a particular social networking site.
On the other hand, changes are not always good in the beginning, where it could confuse the user up until they get used to once again how to use certain features and become more acquianted.
Benjamin
I love Cyworld, too!!!!
I want to know your cyworld home page adress. :)
Yea.. somepeople can say that there is nothing to do!
However, same as you, it is the easiest and cheapest way to contact with my friends in Korea.
I also agree that social network site is the second realm of life.
That's exactly my current situation.
-Jiyong Choi-
Hey, Jiyong!!
Unfortunately I don't have Cyworld domain, since I am lazy. I was going to make one for this class, but I couldn't find proper name.
Instead, this is my Cyworld email address. mabbak_77@hotmail.com
You should find my homepage with this.
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