Social networking: A beginner's map

January 10, 10:54 AMLA Social ExaminerShannon Marie

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My, oh my, have we come a LONG way!

It's an age-old practice, but until the boom of Friendster.com in 2003, who knew that the whole world would eventually depend on connecting (and marketing themselves) through their "page."  It was a win-win situation.  It was not as "taboo" to create a profile on Friendster, than it would be on an online dating site.  It also provided people their own type of website where they can toot their own horn and talk about themselves, without it being an "ad."

There was finally a way for new people to connect (instead of "re-connecting" with the earliest social networking sites, like Classmates.com).

Now, it is no question that Myspace.com and Facebook.com have taken the cake when it comes to "social networking" -- both are listed in the Top 10 most visited sites on Alexa.

I have known people to swear off these websites.  They do not want to get caught up in the mix.  To them, it seems juvenile.  Okay, in a way, it is.

Other than the big boys (Myspace, Facebook, Bebo, Hi5), there are "other" social networking sites that are targeted to a certain demographic or interest.  The following are a few of these targeted websites -- but remember, there are thousands -- this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Do your homework, and you'll find your niche.

Note:  While there are a lot of alternative social networking sites, the ones listed below are free -- do not be a sucker and pay a membership fee for any social networking site, unless you are 100% serious about dating.  If so, then reputable dating sites like Match.com and EHarmony.com do charge a fee, but have a great track record of success.

LINKED IN:  Geared towards business connections and networking through trusted contacts.  Think of your resume being the bulk of your profile description.  Remember, a lot of business in LA is done through "who you know."

A SMALL WORLD:  With the "elite" mentality in mind, this network is expanded by invitation-only.  With press from the likes of Forbes, The Washington Post, The New York times, and The Hollywood Reporter (just to name a few), it's a great site to belong to once you can find your "in."

GENI:  Connect with family and create your own family tree, complete with contact information (only viewable to your network) that can be updated regularly so that you and your family can always be in touch. 

MEETUP.COM:  Groups are created and joined, with the universal intention of meeting offline.  It does take the "weirdness" out of meeting strangers off the internet, and takes the guesswork out of finding connections through a common interest.

PLENTY OF FISH (Warning - 18+ only):  Okay, it is a dating site, but ironically a large one at that.  It's free, and its format is as simplistic as a Myspace or Facebook. (If you are looking for a more serious scientific connection, then sites like EHarmony.com are more up your alley)

ADULTSPACE (Warning - 18+ only):  The site boasts connecting with "likeminds" and "exploring."  With the millions of seedy "adult" websites out there, this one is a little different as it is not a "porn site" but rather an online community created with the liberal adult in mind.  Think of one of the larger social networking sites, with less rules.

And LUCKY FOR YOU... there is well over 3.8 million people in the City of Los Angeles alone, and well over 10 million if you consider Los Angeles County.  If you want to expand your circle, you sure will have no problem meeting local people.  Why not let the Internet give you a little boost?  Take this beginner's map and choose your trail!