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Why I Still Believe in the Future of Facebook
.jpg) Look… I’ve read both the naysayers and the acolytes alike, and I still contend that Facebook is en route to becoming a de rigueur daily stop for just about everyone. The argument that social networks of all shapes and sizes are cropping up like Crystal Skull bootlegs on a Seoul street corner is irrelevant, because you need a place to gather with your passion niches, and Facebook’s never been so great at that. Plus, your Facebook data is going to be valuable to you in your other networks, anyway. And, contrary to CW, it doesn’t actually matter much if the kids still think it’s cool or not. Know why? Because the platform is going to become THE social dashboard for the connected set. Although the first wave of Facebook apps has been largely disappointing (seriously… Hotties for Sale?), the next generation of applications will make your Facebook profile the place where you’ll see what your friends are up to, buy tickets to events together, recommend products to each other (and make some money), even plan trips or nights out. Those status updates that some of us find entertaining (and others find narcissistic and annoying) are just the beginning. Right now, there are 10k+ “Just for Fun” applications (almost half of the 24,000 apps available. 24 THOUSAND). The next most popular category for Facebook apps is Education, at about 1,800. But I envision using apps on your Facebook page to manage/budget your finances, get your daily news feeds (which could be everything from global headlines to what your little sister did last night), and maintain your integrated social calendar. You’ll read the latest reviews (from Yelp, from your favorite film critic, whatever), you’ll plan accordingly, and maybe even take part in social action or philanthropy, all within your Facebook interaction. I’m telling my clients to keep working on Facebook applications while developing Open Social apps (more about Open Social in the near future). They’ll need both types of widgets. The concept of social networks is evolving. This is just the beginning. |
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Eric Elkins
Eric Elkins has an online connection addiction. Good thing his job is harnessing social media strategies to help his clients engage consumers. Read along as Eric explores the latest developments in online community building.
Eric Elkins has an online connection addiction. Good thing his job is harnessing social media strategies to help his clients engage consumers. Read along as Eric explores the latest developments in online community building.
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