[wannabeMogul]

Some thoughts on why MySpace took off...

I think most people did flock to MySpace because of the lack of functionality, which translated into an ease of use. Unlike geocities where you have to drop in a template and fill in the blanks at the very least, MySpace just had you fill out an online form in a period of time where mainstream shoppers were used to filling out their information online. It was easier to comprehend and no HTML was required at all.

I think it was the timing more than anything that made MySpace take off. Then, as MySpace brought up too much spam overload and privacy issues, Facebook capitalized and built their user base in the college market and now beyond.

I think the reason users on either of the two continue to grow is simply the prodding of friends/relatives/co-workers who are on either service getting friends and co-workers without membership to join up or maybe just the ever-growing masses of 12-year-olds getting a computer and getting online.

[pentupentropy]

yeah, I agree. And I think competing is hard because why is someone going to come to you when all of their friends/family are already there. I have no idea how people found sites like hi5 and orkut and all that. To my knowledge google never even advertised orkut.

[wannabeMogul]

I think orkut (and maybe this is the case for hi5) have developed a user-base outside of the U.S., but they never advertised, as you said, or tried to steal market from Facebook and MySpace. With so many users already established on one or two networks, it's difficult to get people to migrate. The user numbers aren't as big for them, but I guess they have enough of a base to maintain.

I think the only way a new social network could spring up is by capitalizing on the weakness of another and drawing early adopters with features that will then steal their Facebook followers. I personally don't want to open up more than one account without a VERY good reason.

I have Facebook but don't have a MySpace or any other social network because it's difficult to maintain them all and keep them updated. I do have multiple accounts like Twitter and Pownce, but I use services to keep them synced together.

[pentupentropy]

if it makes you feel any better, I don't even have myspace. I use my wife's accounts. =)

[lionel_navin]

hi , i am interested in your idea , why dont you send me a quick mail with you messenger details , we can chat , and i have few ideas as well similar and we can do soemthing