CHECKING OUT SOME SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

In order to really understand the importance and strides that new media creates within society it is important to really compare different sites that enhance communication. By comparing sites like facebook, myspace, friendster and aimie street users can note positive attributes and problematic features that are confusing and hard to navigate.

Facebook was created after myspace. The site has several new features and a new design layout. To become a facebook member you initially were required to have a college email. Now the site allows anyone and everyone to join. Like myspace, facebook gives you an option to answer several questions to create a more complete profile. You can also upload pictures, and several other applications. You can send virtual and actual gifts to your "facebook friends." Facebook also recently included a status bar where users can instantly update what they are currently doing and thinking. This feature mirrors Twitter, another social networking site. Facebook uses similar advertising tools like myspace. The difference is the amount of ads that are present. Facebook uses alternative applications to generate money such as online quizzes and music applications.

I've had a myspace account for several years now. I initially joined the site to look for new music and artists that were unsigned. Over time the website's look and feel have changed. Signing up for myspace is free. The company has been able to generate money by selling space for banner ads and other interactive campaigns.This new business model has made myspace more commercial. More companies advertise on the site because many people have accounts, and because the site targets an attractive demographic (young adults). The site itself is easy to operate. You create a screename and provide an email address. You can then fill out several profile questions to create your own online page. You can upload pictures as well as chat with your myspace "friends." Each time you wish to find friends you can just search for their name using the search option and send a request. Then the friend can either accept or reject you.

Friendster is another social networking website that allows people to locate and request their peers. The site also helps users create new friendships through the use of shared online content.The website can also be used for online dating and researching bands, hobbies and different bookmark worthy sites. Friendster also lets users find schoolmates and post shoutouts. Users can also add their school or college name to find even more friends. Friendster's layout also features different advertisements. The site content is mushed together on the left while banner ads take over the right side of the screen.

One social networking site I recently discovered was Amie Street. This is both a social networking site and an independent music site, where users can interact and share their musical interests/ opinions. Artists can upload tracks onto the site, and the users can buy tracks at prices based on demand. The users earn credits by recommending or "REC"-ing songs to friends. If the REC is done for a good song and users purchase the song, the song's price increases. The original user who recommended the track earns credit for their referral. The site also features new music and new cds in various genres including rock, electronic, rap, and pop. The site allows users to invite friends and share ideas on music they care about. The site also allows interested potential users to bypass registering for an account by automatically allowing the use of a facebook account. Because so many people have facebook accounts, they can automatically discover how to use the amie steet site. The site is easy to use and incorporates tabs for easy genre classifications.
While each social networking site incorporates similar features like picture uploads, profile questioning and favorite bookmark applications, each captures a unique way of communicating with friends. Myspace was a pioneer int he social networking world, but it led to the creation of sites like facebook and even amie street. By using these sites people can stay connected and communicate in a revolutionary way.