Informational Articles for 2011+

This article explains a few things about Social Networking, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Social networking websites are like ants in a picnic, their virtually everywhere. No matter where you go on the internet you’re bound to run in to one. When you think about it it’s really good because you can always be connected with friends wherever you go and whenever you want. But with so many choices to consider how do you know which one to go with. Here’s a short list of the top ten sites that you can choose from.

First would be the “Facebook.” Many people might be thinking it was going to be MySpace right? Well, in terms of what it offers Facebook wins over MySpace by an arm’s length because of the applications and functions that it offers.

Next to it would be “MySpace” because in terms of quantity, MySpace comes in first but because of the fewer functions that it offers it comes down to a close second. The main reason why MySpace is has a lot to offer is because there are a lot of users.

Third would be “Hi5.” The most impressive thing about Hi5 is the simplicity of the site itself. There are fully functional options that simplify the social networking experience. It makes social networking a lot more serious when you start using Hi5.

Next would be “43 Things.” People who have ever had a plan to do something that they can’t really finish because no one’s there to support them are the patrons of this site. That’s what 43 Things is all about. More than social networking 43 things is like an online support group that allows you to interact with people who have either made plans like you did or people that are going through the same thing as you are.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Social Networking, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Fifth would be the “Windows Live Space by MSN.” The great thing about Live Space is the flexibility and the ease of use of the site. Talk about a social networking site with the power of the drag and drop. It is absurdly easy to edit your profile, your page and your whole section. Drag and drop your profile to anywhere in the page as you want it. Another great thing about Live Space is that the widgets that are available are actually functional.

Next would be the social networking site called “Gather.” Gather.com is for people who love to blog. It’s a social networking website with the twist of a bloggers website. Write all you want and all you can, all day long.

Seventh would be “Worlds.com.” As the name suggest is really a virtual world where you can go around and explore places and meet people just like in the real world. Just like in the real world, here you can dress up you avatar the way you like.

Next would be “Live Mocha” for people who want more out of their social networking experience. Here, you must definitely try Live Mocha. Live Mocha is not just a social networking website; it actually teaches people a language. Choose from the many languages you can learn and log in to learn it. Of course progression is dependent on the person.

Ninth would be “Stickam” that is really a surefire hit for Webcammers. If you have a webcam and you want to chat with other people who also have webcams then you are going to absolutely adore Stickam.

And last but not the least, the social networking site called “Profilactic” is on the list. The cool thing about profilactic is that when you sign up for an account here you can add all other social networking accounts. Profilactic has an alert that signals you when one of your other accounts has been updated or gets an update.

This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

When you’re away from the computer and the kids take over, do you know what sites they go to in the Internet? For sure, one or two of these sites include MySpace, Friendster, or Facebook. People of all ages gather to these sites for so many reasons and so many purposes. These kids are exposed to so many things that could influence them. If you are a parent, you’d want the better influence so try introducing the kids to Christian social networking sites, so you can have some peace of mind.

What is social networking and how does it work?

If we’re speaking about online social networking, we are referring to these sites that host a venue or a website where a person can create his own page and get connected with others in a network. The social networking site allows the user to upload photos and videos. There is also a space for blogging so users can speak their mind about anything.

Anything you put in your profile or account can be tracked and seen by the people who are linked to you as a contact. You can also see their profile and the many activities they are doing online or off.

The concept of social networking online became a hit because people are naturally sociable. The best thing about the Internet is people can get connected with their relatives, buddies, long lost friends, colleagues, or classmates regardless of time zones and geographical borders. This virtual meeting place makes it possible to stay in touch with people who matter.

The other appeal of a social networking site is that it allows you to meet other people ? strangers, friend of your friend, distant relative, or maybe a schoolmate you never got to talk to before. Online you get the chance to know them more as you see all the things he does through photos or blogs. People end up being good friends, and others even become lovers.

How are these social networking sites different from the Christian sites?

Because so many people are registered to these popular social networking sites, you can never really tell whom you are getting networked with. The Internet has grown, with it sprung a new breed of criminal minds and people with malicious intents on others. These are the kind of people we all would like to block away.

Sites that are more centered on religion are better options for us all. While there are so many other religions, Christianity is the largest religion in the world ? thus, there are more sites targeted to Christians. Here are some reasons why these God-centered sites are better:

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

* They are smaller in size compared to the most popular ones and therefore more specific on the profile of the users.

* Contents are tailored to the people’s sensitivity and needs

* Easier to navigate than the huge social networks

* No unpleasant topics about religion

* Interfaces are almost the same as the popular sites like MySpace and Facebook ? you’d think you’re in those sites!

* Safer and more youth-oriented

* Fellowship with others with the same religious beliefs

* Increase in faith as there are so many information shared about religion and values

Christian social networking sites are becoming popular and that is something every parent or guardian should be happy about. It may not be possible to watch over the kids 24 hours a day, but at least we know their spending some of their time online getting the better influences.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

When most people think of Social Networking, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Social Networking than just the basics.

The success of social networking marks a dynamic shift in how we use the Internet. This is based on the mentality that people who share the same interests are drawn together and given that that cyberspace has not barriers, we are able to get our message across the globe.

This makes the job of people involved in viral marketing and word of mouth much easier because you are not necessarily making money from them but getting referrals which helps in promoting your business.

As you can see, there is a startling difference between the traditional search engine and social networking. The first one uses keywords in the hopes that people who use a search engine will be able to find you. The second is a platform because members will not only see your profile but be able to click on a link to go to your site.

When members like what you have done to your webpage, they will most likely save it, store it and even share it with others so you are able to advertise your product or service without even paying for advertising.

But social networking is just one of the tools that are used these days by most businesses. They also rely on blogs, podcasts and RSS feeds to reach a larger audience. Although it does not reach a specific market, it makes social networking the ideal choice when promoting a product or service.

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Just to give you an idea, companies spent $525 million in 2007 using a social networking to advertise their products. Estimates show that this figure could increase up to $810 million by 2008 and this is done not by just signing up as a member. Some have used banner or display ads so this can be featured in other sites.

Some within the social networking site have established their own groups so they are able to share their knowledge and experience in their area of business. You can even create profiles with the purpose of sharing knowledge which are very similar to blogs that brings a real person in the forefront to add a more personal touch.

Which one should you use? Some people use one while others use both. To maximize the use banners and pop up ads, it is best to put it in more than one social network. As for those who will be creating groups, you must make sure there is time to update the information there. Ideally, this should be one using one or two social networks.

After all the work is done, you will now have to measure its effectiveness by counting how much money is coming in. Is this going according to your expectations? If it is, then you are on the right track but if things are not going as planned, then that means that there is room for improvement.

Social networking can indeed get your message across so people will become aware of your products and services. With so many sites to choose from, it won’t be hard for you to get sign up with one and then do the same with another. This can only be achieved of course by making a first time buyer a regular customer who will spread your business by word of mouth.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Social Networking. Share your new understanding about Social Networking with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Social Networking in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.

There are hundreds of social networking sites and chances are your kids are members of a few of them. As a parent, you should help your kids navigate through this site and others so they don’t fall victim to pedophiles and other threats.

This is why parents should teach the kids about what information should remain private. If they fail to do so, they may accidentally tell someone exactly where you live, what is your phone number, you social security number and your current financial status.

Since they are required to give a screen name, tell them not to use their real name but rather something else which does not give them away.

The social networking site they are a member of surely has privacy settings. As a parent, help your kid activate it or teach them how to use it because there is a reason why web developers decided to install it.

You should also teach your kids to use their better judgment when they decide to put information about themselves in their profiles. They must be comfortable with whatever they put because this will be viewed by their classmates, teachers, college admission officers and even employers.

With today’s technology, you don’t need a laptop or a desktop to log into a social networking site. You can also do this by simply using your cell phone. To limit how much time that your kid is spending on the web, buy them a phone that does not have this function. After all, the cell phone is used for SMS and calling.

Most of this information comes straight from the Social Networking pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

Believe it or not, bullying has moved from the school into cyberspace and there are many ways of doing it. Some examples of this are the spreading of rumors online to getting threatening messages in your inbox or cell phone. Some kids have taken their own lives because of it so if you don’t want this to happen to your child, take steps so you can monitor them.

The best way is to have open communication with them. Should they bring this matter up to you, tell them to delete the account in this social networking site and just open a new one elsewhere. This will make them more careful in accepting people who want to be their friends.

Aside from cyber bullying, parents should also talk to their kids about sex. It is better that they hear this from you rather from some stranger who is more likely a sexual predator.

If they feel threatened by someone and don’t know what to do, help them report it to the police and the social networking site so this person can be banned.

An effective way of keeping tabs on your kid’s is to search for their name through blog sites and search engines. If there is nothing posted, then they are safe.

Keeping your kid’s safe is one of the things that we have to do as parents. We may not be with them 24/7 but there are ways by which we can make sure that they are safe until the time comes that they can fend themselves.

On the part of the social networking site, they have privacy policies in place. You just have to understand the features and privacy controls it in order to use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Social Networking.

There are hundreds of social networking sites in cyberspace and you can become a member in any of them. Is it a fad? A lot of people say this is not so because it is the best way right now to connect people with the same or similar interests regardless of your age and gender.

Connecting people is achieved by putting yourself out there. This means creating an account and telling a little bit about yourself which is like introducing yourself in front of the class. With other features like blogging tools, uploading photos, videos and music, joining forums and writing comments, you get to personalize it and tell people more about who you are which is something that a lot of people appreciate.

But perhaps another reason why social networking sites are so popular and have thousands of members is the fact that it is free. You can post just about anything online as long as it is not pornographic although some social networking sites allow that.

It is also very popular among entrepreneurs because they are able to use it to promote their business. Although there are other means to do that, why pay for it when you can advertise for free while you are a member.

To stress that point, one study shows that 41% of the members of a certain social networking site are IT professionals. These individuals use it to gain business contacts and gain knowledge about technology.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Social Networking. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

It is very similar to how retailers want to expand markets. They no longer have to go door to door to make a sale but other means to get similar results. A good example is someone who joins a networking site, joins a discussion, sees an opportunity and then takes it. If that member was able to provide quality service, other people will be interested in availing the same products or services as well.

Recruiters have also found better uses for the social networks because it enables them to find the right people whenever there is a job opening. Instead of waiting for an applicant to send their resume after posting an ad in the print publication, they can get referrals of people who are qualified to take on the job without spending any money.

There are some who say that the popularity of social networks will eventually kill web searching. But experts in the industry say that this is not possible because Google which happens to be one of the biggest search engines around and has market capitalization bigger than that General Motors or Ford will not allow that to happen.

While there may be new features in these social networks in the future, people will still have to use search engines when they need information.

Social networking sites are here to stay because aside from maintaining contacts with existing friends and making new ones, there are other things that members can do with it. It just takes someone to think out of the box to find some better use for it which will be welcomed by the public.

It also shows that the creativeness of one person gives forth to new ideas. Without this technology, we won’t have the ability to improve and come up with better solutions.