Niche Social Networking
May 27
I’ve read this before from other big names in the social networking game. Gina Bianchini, CEO of Ning, probably knows more about niche social networking than anyone. Here’s what she said in a recent CNN interview:
Niche social networking sites are absolutely something people want to do. People clearly want to do this. . .[and] as people get more comfortable with social networking via Facebook, Twitter, they will look around and say, ‘I want a social network for this particular group.’
May 27 at 09:42
Are you a member of or active participant in any niche social networks?
What’s your take? Is this something people want to do?
I was a member of a STL Ning group for probably half an hour before I deleted my account. My take was that it was a (mostly) worthless circle jerk with a lot shouting to be the loudest fish in a small pond.
May 29 at 10:22
I am currently not a member of any niche networks, but I have been involved in old-school online communities like car-clubs and such. The one semi-community I belong to now is an old-fashioned bulletin board for canoe and kayak racing.
I think the problem with your experience, was that it was geographically focused, rather than interest focused. I mean, what did you hope to get by joining the STL Ning group? Say I joined a canoe and kayak social network, I’d expect to share tips, equipment reviews, maybe schedule some paddling “dates”, etc.
Similarly, there is probably a great fit there for more technical pursuits, like shadetree mechanic and car enthusiast groups. Those actually seem to be very successful online already.
One thing that I can see being much, much bigger in the future, is industry specific networks, from a professional perspective rather than social. Great way to share technical resources, make connections, and establish yourself as a respected thought leader in your given industry.
May 29 at 10:39
I misstated the group type…it was a St. Louis _Advertising_ Ning group. You make a good point about the amount of value that geographic niche offers. regarding the St. Louis Web Developers Group mailing list, I’ve often wondered why people would ask a local group a technical question that isn’t locally oriented when there are smart, helpful people spread across the globe.