March 17, 2008 by Alan Bamboo
What works with Facebook, Myspace...
1-RL social networking
2-It's extremely easy to use
3-Runs on everyone's PC
4-Does not have to be downloaded
I think their numbers show what works, if you want the big numbers in terms of members you need to also look at what works. It’s the simplest RL social networks that are having all the success.
They could (might now too?) start allowing RL names, as well as eliminating a lot of system requirements so as to make it run on as many PC’s as possible (not sure that would work though).
But maybe they could introduce another simpler version of with as little as possible system requirements? Hmm, wonder what that would look like?
But anyways, just introducing RL names adds one of the big elements that do work!!!
What I did like is what everyone calls the steep learning curve, was fun learning how to build, put objects on land etc. But the biggest attraction was the economy.
I can imagine (sort of) facebook eventually evolving into a virtual world type thing, but not for quite a few years yet.
I can’t say I’m a big Facebook fan, but with 50 million plus members, that really doesn't matter.
- Alan Bamboo's blog
- Add new comment
- 1161 reads
I didn't forget you Alan.
WSE conspired to ruin my night, as it were, but it ruined many other people's nights as well. I did want to respond to your post, because you make some valid points. Forgive me if this is long, but I am a bit tired at 4 a.m.
My sticking point with your short list is number 4. Downloading. Using the internet with the operating system supplied web browser and/or email client does mask the download. Even so, you're right - the download is an issue of note. Maybe a 'Grid Client' will be a standard in operating systems in the future - but updates. Always the updates...
The RL names is, of course, something I think is important for at least a few of us. It shouldn't be mandatory, but it should be available. If you held a gun to my head now and asked me if I wanted to change Nobody Fugazi's name to Taran Rampersad... I have to admit, I might well say 'no'. I don't know exactly why - maybe it is because I'm tired - but if I were to start over with a new avatar, just beginning, I know I would have chosen my real name for at least my main avatar.
Lower system requirement clients are out there - we're beginning to see them manifest on mobile phones as far as graphics. If they can fit them into a mobile phone...
I do agree on the economy. The user generated content in the economy is what makes Second Life sticky for myself and many other people I know. I still get happy when something sells on SLExchange.com, or when I hear the 'ka ching'. It is almost Pavlovian.
Facebook... I actually don't like. I have been fiddling with it a lot recently, but it really isn't my cup of tea. Perhaps I don't play in the same way that others do...
I hope this makes sense when I read it tomorrow. :-)
Second Life Consultant
Well
SL is more than the grid. This gets confusing because LL see the grid as being something different than the grid users talk of. However the disparate parts make the whole.
SL itself is in danger of seeing inferior rivals take over, because, they're easier to use and it is something they've mulled over because I've been at office hours where it has been discussed.
SL Lite (made up name) where you can interact without being inworld, that has potential.