What makes an online social network successful?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing some research into the topic with business purposes in

mind: I'm actually working on an investor presentation for the iFund

initiative, after proposing something (in a very brief manner, by

virtue of the fact of the webform that allows only 1000 characters

per field, 3 fields of that size, and a couple smaller ones) that

got their attention.

Yes, I'm aware of the depth of the irony of the whole thing

Here are my observations as to what makes things online be feasible

for social networking, and I'm purposely keeping this as abstract as

possible:

1. Other people: there's no denying it, the social animal is

interested in learning all the gory details of other social animals.

2. The option of being able to somehow contribute to the group

intellect, of whatever level of value that is ( " Hi! Just telling

you my name, for a good time call... " ) or some other sort of

contribution.

3. The thought that what others have created may somehow be used to

their advantage.

4. The thought that what they create may be of value to others,

often... to hopefully gain some sort of advantage. Some are truly

altruistic and don't expect anything in return, but sometimes...

well, being seen is its own reward.

5. The ability to add to the content readily, without too much

complication.

6. The ability to participate cheaply, preferably including being

free.

7. The " pride " of belonging to some social group, however illogical

that may seem.

8. (One of the perhaps more negative aspects) being able to claim

that they're one of the " Us " crowd (the in-crowd) as opposed

to " Them " (thos not in the social group) if only for feeling like

they belong and attach some value to it that's used antisocially

(ah, another bit of irony!).

9. There is no #9.

10. Technosocialgeekiness: some just like the technological

combination with the social aspect.

Did I leave anything out?