Facebook.
The first time I heard about this site had to be over a year ago.
I was told it was a social networking site for college students, so I didn't give it much of a look. After all, I've been out of college for many years. (I won't tell you how many!)
But about a month or so ago I started receiving invitations to use facebook from some friends and associates of mine.
Hmmm... could it be that facebook has become a tool for Internet marketers in the same way that MySpace was no longer just for budding musicians?
The fact of the matter is that Facebook is for absolutely anyone who wants to leverage web 2.0 technology to it's fullest.
The site is so much more than I imagined. It's even a bit difficult to describe exactly what facebook is... but I'll try.
Facebook is a web 2.0 social networking site that allows developers to create programs and applications that plug in to the site. These "plug ins" provide new ways to interacting and networking.
You may find networks built on geographic locations or special interest groups.
You may find people interacting by sending each other a virtual drink or taking a survey to determine what other users in their network they are most like.
You can choose your friends and communicate with them in a number of ways, including email, online gaming, sharing favorite movies or "poking" them. (Don't ask, you just need to see it to understand).
Because of inviting developer's kit, Facebook is only limited by the imagination of those who are creating new applications for the site. To date, there are over 2500 applications available, and they run the spectrum from serious to silly and practical to useless.
Nevertheless, Facebook has me hooked.
In just a couple weeks, I have created a group for The Next Internet Millionaire, been in contact with Guy Kawasaki and Robert Scoble, and begun developing ideas for my own Facebook application that I plan on launching some day.
There are others who have done a better job of describing what Facebook is. I think I'm still overwhelmed by the sheer scope and seemingly infinite possibilities.
MySpace has seen it's day. Honestly, Facebook makes MySpace look like child's play.
Once logged in, you can check out my Facebook profile here.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
April 21, 2008 04:33 PM
I see that you're using Facebook for networking too Joel :)
I must agree that Facebook is quite revolutionary and I've found more than a few long-lost friends through Facebook. Awesome!
July 29, 2008 02:43 AM
Hey Joel, It has been nearly a year since this post. How are things coming along with your facebook application? any new developments?