Myspace

[MetroStyles]

For those of you not in the know, MySpace is a blog/networking tool used mostly by teenagers for annoying and superficial purposes. Furthermore, the web design is terrible. Visit it at myspace.com.

My question is, however, how other professionals view this kind of service. It seems like it has great potential as an easy networking/stay-in-touch kind of tool. If only I could get past my initial dislike of the type of people who popularized it, I could see it being a boon in the future.

I know a few people who use it for business purposes, not to meet girls or be "popular" online. My question is, have any of you folks used it for purposes other than getting laid or partying? Is there room for a professional niche on MySpace akin to networking in real life? To clarify, I am by no means aiming to replace old-fashioned face to face networking with the online equivalent, just considering adding it to the repertoire. Thoughts and experiences?

 

[Dakota rube]

MySpace for business purposes is a bad idea. Regardless of how professionally your message is presented, it is tainted by association with all the baggage MySpace brings to the equation. Unless, of course, the demographic to which you wish to market your goods and/or services is of the type that frequents said site.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

MySpace for business purposes is a bad idea. Regardless of how professionally your message is presented, it is tainted by association with all the baggage MySpace brings to the equation. Unless, of course, the demographic to which you wish to market your goods and/or services is of the type that frequents said site.

I'm sorry, let me clarify. I wasn't considering using it as a marketing or distributing tool, but more as a networking tool between myself and other working professionals as individuals. Do you still feel the same about it?

 

[Dakota rube]

If the people you want to talk to habituate MySpace, then by all means use the site. Be prepared, however, to be lumped with all other MySpace users, which I think is not a particularly business-like segment of the population.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

::cough::

 

[Bradford]

FWIW - Unless you're in the entertainment industry, I would say that MySpace is useless for professional networking.

But there are lots of pictures of hot babes

For an overview, check out this thread on the Bodybuilding.com forums...

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=792746

 

[tsloop]

Originally Posted by Bradford

FWIW - Unless you're in the entertainment industry, I would say that MySpace is useless for professional networking.

But there are lots of pictures of hot babes

For an overview, check out this thread on the Bodybuilding.com forums...

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=792746

lol, thats one thread I always check out when I'm over on the misc forum.

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by Bradford

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=792746


wow.

 

[visionology]

It works well for those in the music / entertainment industry because it is an easy way to showcase your comedy, music, etc to millions of people and build a fanbase. Better yet...it's free.

 

[javyn]

I think a professional version of Myspace is a great idea. To keep it professional though, it would need brutal moderation, I think.

 

[Spencer Young]

I believe LinkedIn is more "professionally" oriented than myspace. It isn't meant for marketing/selling to others, but has more options oriented towards professionals networking. It'd be worth a look, from what I've heard.

I just graduated college, so Facebook is fine with me... but personally, if I met someone over 30 or 35 who was on myspace, I'd think they're a paedophile or something.

 

[mbc]

There have been many professionally-oriented networking sites in the past. One of the largest: http://www.ryze.com

 

[royal618]

I'll second LinkedIn.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Originally Posted by royal618

I'll second LinkedIn.
Yes. Third.

 

[Tck13]

Isn't friendster more of an adult / professional site? I've never been on it but I've heard things...