FIVE YEARS AGO on this blog, before the rise of the social media experts, we thought there were inherent limitations in social networks. I think these limitations still exist:
-- On 29 Nov 03: "Social network software feels very bubblesque." Today: Even the most vibrant ecosystem (see right) has a bubbly feel to it, like it cannot truly scale to a meaningful conversation hub linking millions so it has to strip functionality (i.e., IM hooks or SMS-out) to ensure real-time performance.
-- On 29 Nov 03: "Connecting people through people seems compelling, but people need help with complicated tasks (finding a job, an apartment) not complications surrounding new network nodes." Today: Are you really giving up email for direct messaging from microblogging?
-- On 29 Nov 03: "In my experience, the best social networks are the smallest." I'm constrained by the Dunbar Number and by the satisfaction of knowing that my real social network fits inside a 25-man life raft.
What's next? Today, I'm listening to Terry Fallis, David Jones, and Julie Rusciolelli discuss the evolution of the space and enjoying where they think we'll be in another 10 years.
