thevirtualhandshake - Latest Comments in Orkut vs. other social networks

Re: Orkut vs. other social networks

Stuart Henshall — Tue, 03 Feb 2004 10:59:12 -0000

Great addition. Wish I had thought to use the words context rather than contrast! Maybe it is just a game!

Re: Orkut vs. other social networks

Christopher Allen — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 21:42:59 -0000

I think it can mix, but you have to design it very carefully. You have to have some defaults for each case that set a bunch of different privacy settings globally in different ways, then allow the user to fine tune it after the basic settings are set.

I'm somewhat wishful that only one of these social network services will survive a shake out, as I want to concentrate on the value of the 'weak links' in my network, rather then to have to manage multiple networks, multiple resumes, multiple personal info. However, I'm increasingly doubtful that the shake out will happen soon, there are too many VCs pooring money into this category.

Re: Orkut vs. other social networks

Scott Allen — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 20:25:08 -0000

I agree with you, Christopher -- I have a real problem even being asked if I think Joi Ito or Marc Canter is "sexy". Business & social can mix, and social and romantic can mix, but I just don't think that business and romantic mix well in a social networking environment.

I could be wrong, though -- maybe there's a new niche waiting to happen.

Re: Orkut vs. other social networks

Christopher Allen — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 20:12:26 -0000

My problem with Orkut right now is that it is trying to be everything to everyone, but doesn't try to mask that which you don't want give, or what you don't want to see. As I point out in my blog entry http://www.lifewithalacrity... Orkut asks and displays a lot of personal information for someone who has specified that he isn't using Orkut for dating.