Network Connections
Alicia L. Cervini,
Apr 22, 2005
Examines the phenomenon of social networking with an emplhasis on three casae studies: Friendster, Ryze and Meetup. Good summary of the theory behind social networking and a nice history relating the phenomenon to its origins in MUDs, Usenet and IRC. The case studies of the three sites are accurate and to the point. I would have preferred a sharper analysis. It seems to measure success according to whether online contacts meet offline. And it depicts the problems afflicting most social networking sites more as a consequence of scale rather than structure, with the solutions to be found by better searching (traversal and trawling). Still, if you are new to this field I would certainly recommend a read, and if you are conversant in social networks you may appreciate the point of view.
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