MySpace

Social Networking Sites That are on Top of the Charts

Social networking websites are like ants in a picnic, their virtually everywhere. No matter where you go on the internet you’re bound to run in to one. When you think about it it’s really good because you can always be connected with friends wherever you go and whenever you want. But with so many choices to consider how do you know which one to go with. Here’s a short list of the top ten sites that you can choose from.

First would be the “Facebook.” Many people might be thinking it was going to be MySpace right? Well, in terms of what it offers Facebook wins over MySpace by an arm’s length because of the applications and functions that it offers.

Next to it would be “MySpace” because in terms of quantity, MySpace comes in first but because of the fewer functions that it offers it comes down to a close second. The main reason why MySpace is has a lot to offer is because there are a lot of users.

Third would be “Hi5.” The most impressive thing about Hi5 is the simplicity of the site itself. There are fully functional options that simplify the social networking experience. It makes social networking a lot more serious when you start using Hi5.

Next would be “43 Things.” People who have ever had a plan to do something that they can’t really finish because no one’s there to support them are the patrons of this site. That’s what 43 Things is all about. More than social networking 43 things is like an online support group that allows you to interact with people who have either made plans like you did or people that are going through the same thing as you are.

Fifth would be the “Windows Live Space by MSN.” The great thing about Live Space is the flexibility and the ease of use of the site. Talk about a social networking site with the power of the drag and drop. It is absurdly easy to edit your profile, your page and your whole section. Drag and drop your profile to anywhere in the page as you want it. Another great thing about Live Space is that the widgets that are available are actually functional.

Next would be the social networking site called “Gather.” Gather.com is for people who love to blog. It’s a social networking website with the twist of a bloggers website. Write all you want and all you can, all day long.

Seventh would be “Worlds.com.” As the name suggest is really a virtual world where you can go around and explore places and meet people just like in the real world. Just like in the real world, here you can dress up you avatar the way you like.

Next would be “Live Mocha” for people who want more out of their social networking experience. Here, you must definitely try Live Mocha. Live Mocha is not just a social networking website; it actually teaches people a language. Choose from the many languages you can learn and log in to learn it. Of course progression is dependent on the person.

Ninth would be “Stickam” that is really a surefire hit for Webcammers. If you have a webcam and you want to chat with other people who also have webcams then you are going to absolutely adore Stickam.

And last but not the least, the social networking site called “Profilactic” is on the list. The cool thing about profilactic is that when you sign up for an account here you can add all other social networking accounts. Profilactic has an alert that signals you when one of your other accounts has been updated or gets an update.

MySpace

Social Networking Begins With You

People will make up a group and when it comes to social networking, this begins with you because you have to sign up first to become a member and then add people into your list.

This process is standard in most social networking sites. You usually have to give your first and last name, gender, age, religion, occupation and a few other things to create your profile. Once this is completed, you are now a member.

For you to have your own social network, you now have to invite your friends to join the site. In order to expand that, you can look at the featured members or see who else has similar interests.

Other members will also want to expand their network and if you want them to add you, one thing you should do is make your profile very interesting. Let people know what your hobbies are, what sports do you enjoy, what is your take on politics.

You can also feature your profile in the same manner that you might be able to add someone from that section.

Within a social networking site, you too can create your own small group. Aside from discussing in online forums, you can take it to the next level by organizing events where members get to meet and do all sorts of activities.

Another way to start social networking is to create your own by downloading open source programs. There are a lot of them around that have similar features to that of MySpace and Facebook so you don’t have to spend a thing.

The challenging part will be to let people know that you have a social network so you should start by telling your friends and hopefully, they will spread the word around. You don’t stop there of course. Another way will be to put links to your site or advertise a bit by putting a few ads in other sites.

For your social networking site to survive you have to do what MySpace and YouTube does which is to generate revenue through advertising. You can post an ad so that members who want to promote their product or service will be able to get business or offer this to outsiders.

Advertising in a social networking site could earn you millions of dollars. You won’t make that money overnight but the longer you are operational, this will happen in the months and years to come.

You can also earn revenue by charging members for using blogs, discussion boards, forums and RSS feeds. This can be available to members free of charge for an introductory period. If they like it, then they have to pay for it.

Social networking sites grow because those who use it are not restricted by distance. This means that someone from Europe or Asia may become a member. The only problem will be if they cannot understand English which is why you should also make this understandable in other languages.

In summary, social networking begins with you and creating your own account or your own site are your only options. The key to getting noticed is by the millions of surfers on the web is by promoting yourself. While some individuals are happy using a popular site, others have bigger dreams by using this as a stepping stone.

MySpace

What Do Social Networking Sites Have in Common

The number of social networking sites has increased rapidly and the vast majority is simply an off shoot of MySpace or Facebook. As a result, people don’t use it just to stay in touch with friends but to make new ones as long as they have the same interests, political views and activities.

As you can see, social networking sites cater to a diverse audience. This is why some specialize in business, religion, sex and a few other things. Each one allows you to post blogs, photos and videos. At the same time, your friends can post comments.

This begins by becoming a member. Each person has to fill up the form and answer a few questions. This normally includes what will be your username, age, gender, location, interests and an “about me” section. You are not required but encouraged to upload a photo so people will be able to put a face to the name.

When it is finished, you get to choose the visibility of your profile. Can anyone see it or will this be limited only to your friends. The social networking site will ensure that your decision in this matter is respected.

Eventually your list of contacts will grow and this in essence is what social networking is all about. Some of those individuals are people you really know while the rest are acquaintances which could develop into something more in the future. You can leave messages when your contact is offline similar to webmail which many of us are already used to.

But not social networking sites started this way. This just evolved later on and one good example is Classmates which was initially designed to help you find old colleagues from secondary school and college.

In order to compete with other social networking sites, developers have to come up with better features which the others don’t offer. Some examples of these include built-blogging, mobile interactions, RSS feeds, URL blocklist, application sharing, multiple language support, smarty templates, article rating, multiple authors and a lot more.

You just have to try each one to see if you are happy with their service. If you are not, then you can always close your account and open a new one somewhere else.

Despite all the fanfare, one thing that social networking sites are greatly concerned about is privacy primarily concerning the usage of the younger users. This is because they may be naïve enough to meet people on the net and sadly they become victims of a heinous crime. While most developers have taken steps to try and prevent this, the parents of those who use it need to do their share as well by monitoring how their kids use it and activating the security settings.

Social networking sites regardless of how big or small they are now have a lot in common. What distinguishes them is their target audience and what other features they may offer that will make you decide to sign up with them.

You can also read reviews or ask your friends about what social networking sites are they members of since you want to be in the same group. If you can’t decide, you can open several accounts and just take time to update and use them.

MySpace

Last Day to enter Consumer Queen Contests

Win a $50 Gift Card or a New Christmas Tree

I love the holidays especially Christmas. It always gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. Every year we read The Christmas Story from the Bible and also The Night before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Its a tradition! We also pick a day to make baked goods for family and friends. The kids always love to cook.

A Big Thanks to Walmart for helping me spread some Holiday Cheer this season buy offering one lucky reader of my blog the chance to win a $50 Walmart GC or A Lighted Douglas Fir Christmas Tree from Walmart Featured in their Holiday Gift Guide valued at: $88.

All you have to do to enter our contest is:

1.Subscribe to my Blog

2. Subscribe to my YouTube Videos! Reply with your YouTube Name !

3.Tell us your Family Holiday Tradition

4. Post this contest some where on the internet! You will get an extra entry for each place your post this contest.Be sure and leave the link here where you post!

Examples: yahoo Groups, Twitter(@ConsumerQueen), Message Boards,Blogs, Myspace, facebook, YouTube or email it to 5 friends and copy me on it!

You must Complete all the steps above to enter!

You can post them in different posts

**Bonus Entries**

Register for our Free Message Boards! for 1 bonus entry reply with your member name.

Mention in your newsletter(forward a copy to melissa@consumerqueen.com)

Vote for me to Win a Wii for an extra entry:

Send my voting link to 5 friends or tweet it or post on blog etc for an extra entry:

http://tinyurl.com/6fa48w

New Bonus Entry!

1 entry for each deal you post in our grocery forums.

Contest Ends Nov. 30th !

I will be using random.org to pick a winner.

Click here to enter

MySpace

Win a $50 GFC or a Christmas Tree

Melissa our fellow friend and editor from Consumer Queen is having a MAJOR contests on her site!! And we wanted to mention it so you can all get on the goodies!! Who doesnt love FREE Stuff and especially right before the holidays!! This is from her site:

I love the holidays especially Christmas. It always gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. Every year we read The Christmas Story from the Bible and also The Night before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Its a tradition! We also pick a day to make baked goods for family and friends. The kids always love to cook.

A Big Thanks to Walmart for helping me spread some Holiday Cheer this season buy offering one lucky reader of my blog the chance to win a $50 Walmart GC or A Lighted Douglas Fir Christmas Tree from Walmart Featured in their Holiday Gift Guide valued at: $88.

All you have to do to enter our contest is:

1.Subscribe to my Blog

2. Subscribe to my YouTube Videos! Reply with your YouTube Name !

3.Tell us your Family Holiday Tradition

4. Post this contest some where on the internet! You will get an extra entry for each place your post this contest.Be sure and leave the link here where you post!

Examples: yahoo Groups, Twitter(@ConsumerQueen), Message Boards,Blogs, Myspace, facebook, YouTube or email it to 5 friends and copy me on it!

You must Complete all the steps above to enter!

You can post them in different posts

**Bonus Entries**

Register for our Free Message Boards! for 1 bonus entry reply with your member name.

Contest Ends Nov. 30th !

I will be using random.org to pick a winner.