Today Google does a cannonball into the social networking pool

Three weeks ago, on a lark, I registered the domain name RumSocko.com. But until just now, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do with it.

Then, just moments ago, I learned that Google has entered the social network arena in a way that only a market behemoth can. Friend Connect will allow any site to have social network functionality. This tells me two things:

Google sees an opportunity in social media marketing (SMM)
It’s time for me to invite my friends and relatives to submit their favorite rum drinks

Of course, only point #1 is of real relevance to my fellow marketing technologists. There has been plenty of talk lately about how social networks are still groping for a viable revenue model. I suspect Google will lead the way to the banquet.

The only question will then be: Must other social networks resign themselves to the crumbs that Google leaves behind?

2 Replies to “Today Google does a cannonball into the social networking pool”

My bet is on ‘yes’. 🙂

That’s a safe bet, Douglas. But yes, I certainly agree.

For a thoughtful perspective on where social networking is going, check out these two posts from other bloggers:

For the long view, the future of social networks by Groundswell author Charlene Li
Robert Scoble’s assertion that Ning has indeed met a competitor in Google (Andreessen says that Friend Connect isn’t a threat)

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