Comments on: is Friendster a dud?

By: Abstract Dynamics

Abstract Dynamics — Thu, 08 Jan 2004 10:39:10 +0000

The Idiot Savant (Friendster Triumphant)

There is a bit of a murmur in the social software going on about Friendster declining or being replaced. "We…

By: Kushalblog

Kushalblog — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 21:05:56 +0000

If you thought you were cynical about romance…

…get a load of this article (via danah): “Moreover, dating is often a bloodsport driven by egos and sexual appetites.” Of course, watching Average Joe has (surprisingly) convinced me it’s true….(and, yes, you read that URL correctly, there is a…

By: ederic

ederic — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 10:43:28 +0000

Here in Manila, Philippines, Friendster continues to be a hit among the young people. For many users here, friendster isn’t actually a dating site, but a cyberplace to look for long-lost friends. As i’ve said in my blog (http://www.ederic.com/archives/000300.html), it has probably taken Alumni.net’s role, too–as seen by the increasing number of group profiles that are being created (which, by the way, is a violation of the terms of service. hopefully, frienster would officially allow it in the future).

By: player zero

player zero — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 08:33:50 +0000

interesting article, but it’s funny how shallow the journalistic scratching seems to be– “It has even spawned a clone…” um… yeah. or two or three or a shitload.

“And to keep things genteel, members have to ask for an introduction before they can talk to a friend of a friend…” clearly not true at all once you’ve established a small network. do you know what the deal is with this? at what point do you become able to contact friends of friends?

but a really interesting article. i wonder, in the long run, how much the issues raised really matter though. most of the true friendster addicts i know (a) aren’t using it for dating anyway, and (b) have no problem at all adding people they barely know. these are people who post “just saying hi” to their bulletin boards. in general i don’t think they’re too concerned about the deeper sociological concerns, they just like being connected to tons of people.

so in other words, i agree with the points made, but i’m not sure how much i think they’ll affect the bottom line.

By: Abe

Abe — Wed, 29 Oct 2003 21:40:01 +0000

You know what’s funny (to me at least) and I’ve never thought about in the context of Friendster before? I actually take strong efforts to *not* date people in my close social network. Way too messy. Its much better to be with someone who doesn’t know your exes and doesn’t chat with you close friends daily. As far as I can tell though I’m a bit of a minority in that approach, its part of my character to always be looking to meet new people in very different social groups.

Key concept in the (flawed) Friendster model though has always been the weak ties. Its the same as a job, having a recommendation of any sort makes all the difference is establishing necessary trust.