Let’s face it, Social Networking sites dominate the Internet these days. For people here in the Philippines, Friendster is the most popular. In the USA, I would guess that Facebook is the most popular Social Network site. LinkedIn seems to be the Social Networking site of choice for business minded people. Are you into Social Networking? I wrote an article a few months ago about the impact of Friendster here in the Philippines, but these International Sites are also having an impact here.
As I said previously, LinkedIn is more focused on business minded people. MySpace seems to focus in on Music and other Entertainment things. Lots of singers try to get their career started on MySpace. So, it is obvious that it is possible to start a focused Social Networking Site. In other words, let’s say that you were into kite flying, you could start up a Social Network site where everybody shared Kite flying as a common interest, and let it go from there.
What does this have to do with LiP? Well, I have an opportunity to turn LiP into a Social Networking site for Expats who want to live in the Philippines (or who already do, like me). Basically, what we have right now is a Magazine style site that have 8 or 10 writers who write regular articles related to living in the Philippines. How would it be different if it were a Social Network site? Well, anybody who is interested in living in the Philippines could start their own blog on the site. People could set up groups (for example, if you were living in Davao, you could set up a Davao Group, and everybody who lived in Davao or wanted to, could join your sub-group). There are lots of things you could do. Just imagine a Facebook or Friendster account and the things you can do there… I can make LiP just like that, but focused around the fact that we all have an interest in living in the Philippines.
Would you like that?
I see three possibilities:
- Change LiP to a Social Networking site.
- Keep LiP the same, but add a second site for Social Networking of people who want to live in the Philippines.
- Forget the whole possibility.
Personally, I have mixed feelings, and I sway between numbers 1 and 2 above. I would tend to lead toward #2. Keep in mind, if I went for #1, I would still have a blog on the site that you could follow, and any of the current writers can stay on with their own blogs on the new site too, if they chose to do so.
The downside that I see to going in direction #1 is that some people won’t like it, and I would possibly lose them from the site all together. However, if I went for #2, I see no downside. The people that enjoy LiP as it is now could continue to enjoy it. Also, anybody who wanted to do the Social Networking could do that too.
I’ve added a new Poll about this, Leave a comment as to what you would like. Also, cast a vote in the Poll on the right side of this article.
About MindanaoBob
personally I avoid SN sites, I like to keep as much of myself private as poss. BTY am I being dumb… the only live poll that i can see is regarding the number of writers on LIP !!
Hi Bob – I’m going to guess that I won’t be in the majority here, but personally I don’t visit any of the social networks sites. It seems to me that they are much more popular with the younger crowd, as I know my son and his friends spend a lot of time there.
I wouldn’t want to see LiP go in that direction. I enjoy reading the articles when I have time and commenting when I have something to say. This would have a much different audience than the other sites you mentioned, and I’m going to guess that it would actually have a good good chance at being a successful business. Maybe even very successful. It just doesn’t sound like something I’d have interest in. But you serve a large readership now, and it may be a benefit to them and you.
Hiya Bob and happy new year my friend ! ya know i was just thinking about this as a matter of fact would your social site include maybe and IRC for live chat or to really attract the masses maybe a live Davao Cam ? hmmmm the possibilities need someone to maintain the server ? :
:
Bob, I have pretty much the exact feelings as Randy C. Does.
Call it a flaw but I am not really into change at all.
This site you have here feels somewhat “Homey and Laid Back”
If change is really needed I would have to favor option #2
Bob: personally, though I use Linkedin, I go there for the specific reason of business networking. Never even visited friendster or myspace. One of the things I liked about LiP when I first visited was the articles and magazine format. It really is the best way to cover your topic. Just my opinion.
Hi Bob – I have to go with the majority here and can honestly say that I do not visit Social Networking sites or have ever used them that much in all the years I have been in IT. My wife does use Friendster on occasions however we find it much easier and more convenient to stay in touch with Family in Phil by using either one of the following in this order..
1. Windows Live Messenger/Yahoo Messenger
2. Chikka
3. Email
There is nothing like being able to see and hear the person you are communicating with and share any files that you need too in real time. So in summary I would not be in favour of change here as I feel that the site has a niche audience and works extremely well as it is?
Anyway that my two cents and I would just like to wish all a very Happy New Year to all and remind you that the New Year will here first in Australia!!
Maayong Buntag Bob
I would lean toward 2 but would not have much time to spend at a social networking site until I move to the RP. May be a good thing to try.
Hi Bob, honestly, I voted for No. 2. I also strongly with Neil.
Sorry, it should be ‘strongly agree’. I also would agree very much with Larry. Maybe, you should give it a try… .
Bob I find that I am not much of a social networker myself. I like to keep my privacy and I have never joined friendster, myspace, etc…. I get invites to numerous sites and they are all younger people as has been alluded to here. How about a queston and answer blog spot where someone could ask a question and it can be answered by others. With your moderation you can keep it civil and keep the attackers out of the equation. For example I have been looking for information on the golf course in Iloilo called St.Barbara. It has been difficult for me to find the information I seek. If someone answered that for me on the blog-good stuff as far as I am concerned. In case someone is knowledgeable about the course I am looking for the membership criteria. Happy New Year to all of you. Ron
I haven’t did the poll yet, but whatever the majority decides is ok with me. I barely have time to view this site.
As far as the SN sites, I have no use for them; none! I was burned some years ago on the MYSpace site by organized Nigerian criminals who disguised themselves as a young lady crying for help out of there and back to this country.
Always a sucker for a sad story, it took me nearly two years to pay the money back to the bank that I borrowed. I call it the worst mistake of my life.
After that debacle, I took refuge in visiting the Philippines for the first time in 22 years. Now, I’m planning to move there once my mom passes.
Social networking? Heck, I just got the hang of blogs!
Hi Bob
I have an account with facebook, the only reason being that I was invited to join by my daughter, I open it every now and agin when I get bored to see what comments have been added but I wouldn’t be big into it as big time user.
I guess I’m going to go for number 3.
Jack
I value my privacy so I have no interest in SN sites. Maybe its an age thing but I find the information posted on Friendster to be largely childish and quite pointless. I should be careful here because my wife and her friends use it quite often
One downside of option 2 is that you may divide your readership and dilute LiP as a vehicle. The upside of course is that you may attract and retain a new younger audience.
In my past life in publishing the golden rule I learned was to always protect a successful brand – they are like diamonds … hard to find and valuable..
Just my thoughts…..
Hi Bob,
I like number 2 as well – as most of your readers have said, as one gets older the SN sites have no appeal, but having a separate SN site might encourage a few younger people to speak up.
The current format has the most appeal to me.. is very educational. My friendster account I mainly use to keep in touch with jessica’s family but really this blog format you currently have is great as one can leave comments that actually relate to something.. specific, not just generic hellos.
Bob,
)
I guess I am in the majority, for a change.
At one time I joined Friendster since you had mentioned it was a way to drive readers to your site. Then I found I did not have the patience to set my page all pretty.
I also notice MyBlogLog and BlogCatalog is simmilar. You add your blog, get friends and communities, but, I wonder how many really read your blog, or just add you.
My readership has grown to about 200 hits a week, and I hope adding the translator I will get more foreign readers too.
Maybe I will make a few centavos. With adsence, since they pay at $100 increments, I figure I should get something in about 10 years.
Happy New Year to you, Feyma, your family and all your readers.
oops, I forgoet to say it. to me 2 or 3 is fine and leave LiP as the magazine it was intended.
you could say that SNs are also popular with pinoys because we are spread out all over the world. it keeps us connected to our friends & family from home.
there may be a youth factor to it, but there are more instances of older members being filipino. i see this all the time, from a hotel clerk in ireland or an air force wife in seattle, they all can interact & share pictures with fellow relatives & pinoys through these SNs.
So this is one area to look at it & may be a nice revelation for the expat community in these respects.
By the way, another SN format that is popular with pinoys & not too mundane or a time waster is Multiply.com (I think John has an account there. I do too). It’s clean & not garish in appearance.
The format is user friendly for posting hobby or family photographs & a blog that does not feel like a violation of space (none of that annoying widgets that seem to pepper facebook & friendster)
I’m not much on SN sites tried it once then pretty much forgot about it. However if you did make one I might try it might be what I need to get interested in one but I doubt it.
I Always wondered why you didn’t have a forum here. I just assumed you were afraid of the legal issues. I would love to see that done here myself.
Recently I have been trying to figure out the cheapest and safest way to ship stuff there for my move. I have been totally unsuccessful in finding balykbayan box handlers here (south central Missouri) and am pretty much resigned to trying the post office.Would be great to have forum to ask about that kind of thing in. I hate to bug you with every question I have. I’m sure your very busy. Which reminds me you have a LOT of websites I’d be worried about burnout if you keep expanding.
go for it Bob , do both … It’s a business and anything you do will work, if not you somebody else will do it …so start the wagon rolling .. I’ll jump on with you for a ride in to life .. Phil n Jess
On the fence Bob, my only concern with a forum is often the subjects get way way off base from the concept of the forum , and u tend to get a fair amount of trailer trash adding comments which would make an Austrailian sailor blush !!( no offense). I like getting feed back from other readers who share the same ideas, it also adds more of a community touch by each memeber getting to know others, a great way to develope aquintances whom if you meet later in the RP you have got a common ground with (aka someone to grab a few sodas with & BS).
Happy approaching New Year Bob!
While I have never liked the social networking sites in the past, I am curious to see what you come up with. We appreciate the work that you do on your site as it helps us keep our Philippine dreams alive.
Hi Bob, Happy New Year to you and the family !
I dont like the kind of Networking sites you mention here, all whizzy for the kids, i feel that style will put off older people who prefer things straight and simple. Yes i am old-fashioned, and i suspect your audience out here is on average probably pretty much the same.
If you must change Lip then only option 2 is sensible. Very good of you to check out opinion like this, by the way !
Happy New Year Bob and to your family from . Phil n Jess
Hi Bob,I think the current Magazine format is brilliant,and it also allows for Guest Blogs.I have visited SN sites in the past but never been influenced to join one,my time is valuable.Some would call me an old f*rt,but i feel they are mainly the domain of the young and i have no time for gossip or idle chit chat,maybe sometimes i take life to seriously.If change is needed option 2 is my definate choice,as they say “the best of both worlds”.HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU FEYMA AND FAMILY,MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU,regards Chas.
I’m confused Bob. The current format is very much like a social networking site but with limitations. Readers post coments and you have been very good about responding. The primary difference is we have limitations on what we can post about ourselves outside of text. I worry that you won’t gain much but you might lose control over content. Just my two cents.
To me, the internet is becomming saturated with Social Networking websites. I never knew what they were until a lot of bad press came out in the news a few years ago about MySpace, although I think a lot of it has been cleaned up and additional safeguards put in. The same could go for any number of similar Social Netowrking type sites.
I never wanted to get involved with any of those websites until I began researching The Philippines. In interactive correspondence with people there many times I would be asked if I have a ” Friendster “. When I learned what Friendster is, I kind of reluctantly did set up a page on there and using the subscriber options, I limit it only to The Philippines as a way of keeping in contact with friends I have made and visited there.
I am sure, operating and being an administrator of a Social Networking website is no easy task and would involve a lot of time as it seems these type of sites are often the target of hackers, virus’s, and those with interests in something other than what the social networking website was originally intended for ( if you catch my drift ).
LIP and Mindanao.com I feel are highly regarded websites by those who enjoy them and by word of mouth reputation. I have recomended these sites myself to many people in the Philippines and elsewhere. If it were me, I would not want to risk that reputation by having it directly or indirectly connected with any kind of Social Networking Website where there are what seem to me as too many chances for ” things to go wrong ” in more ways than one.
I agree with one of the other posters here, LIP as it is now already is a form of a networking website.
I like it just the way it is. Just my thought on the subject.
Happy New Year !
happy new year to you and your family. I hope you have a very good year and I look forward to many more good ideas from you on you web site.
i like this site the way it is –so i vote #3
i might use #2 but i think it would be just as it sounds to me
as for the other choice i say “#1 on it ” if you get my drift
I assume you would be going with BuddyPress. It’s great, but it’s not quite ready for primetime. Give it about 3 to 6 months and it will be.
Knowing how it works, I say make the change with its ready. Most users won’t notice any difference, but some who want a fuller experience will and will enjoy it. In other words, buddypress won’t force people to make any changes in how they are currently using this site.
All the best for 2009 Sir Bob. You have a strong brand in LIP If you change the image of the brand then it can destroy the brand. I ve been there on this one and even got the t shirt. I am a private person and put high value on my privacy. So i am in favour of 3.
Hi BoB
You and your writers at Live in the Philippines produce good quality articles with honest information that expats and Filipinos can use in their daily life – this type of honest, not profit driven writing is hard to find online.
My vote is option 3 do nothing
Carl and Ruby
Kamusta Ka Bob,
Happy New Years to all, I like the idea of keeping the site the way it is. You already have a friendster site set up for social networking.
I do use social networks, mainly to keep in touch with family and friends. I use friendster to keep in touch with my friends in Philippines, and yes the filipino people dominate Friendster. I use myspace to keep in touch with my family and friends here in the states, and recently added a Facebook for my friends from my high school class, which turned out to be a great idea for our class to do, I have been in contact with so many people I haven’t seen since graduation day in 85′. Myspace here is very popular among the younger people here, and facebook seems to be used by an older generation.
But no matter what you decide to do, I will still be a loyal reader and participant of LiP, I love all of the content and is so valuable to me, and to those who are thinking of making that move to the Philippines.
Daghang kaayong salamat,
Danny
@Bruce above:
I hope your blog ends up with more traffic. One thing I have noticed is that your linked name here does not go to your blog. It’s not a URL. May want to take a look.
I don’t know if a social networking site is the best option, but I do like the possibility of a forum. Would it be successful? Hard to know. I have a forum on one of my sites that has never ended up being more than a Q&A location and, given who reads that site, it’s fine.
I also like the site as is, as the saying goes “If it ain’t broke…………………..”
Hi Bob. I will go for #1.
You may lose half of the old f@#ts here (just kidding guys)…but you may end up having 100 times more visitors. There will be 100 times more ideas too across all generations.
Two sites is not the way to go…you end up with two half-baked sites.
#3 is not an option…it’s a ‘dinosaur’ trap. I know you are feeling it. Otherwise, you won’t be asking.
Good luck.
Hi gerry m – My mistake on the poll. I had originally scheduled the article to run tomorrow, and the poll was scheduled to change at the time that the article went public. However, I changed the schedule and ran the article today, but forgot to change the poll! I’ve fixed it now.
For me, I have accounts on 3 or 4 SN sites myself, but I don’t use them much. It just seems that it is such a popular trend that I might consider doing something along those lines.
Thanks for your input!
Hi Randy C – My feelings are quite similar to yours. I think that in many ways, your comment about the age factor is quite accurate, and is something I had not considered before you mentioned it.
Well, it will be interesting to see how other comments go on this.
Hi Tommy – Happy New Year to you! Yes, the possibilities are endless. Probably IM would be something that would be available on such a site, I guess.
Hi Neal in RI – Thanks for sharing your opinion. My feelings are pretty similar, but I like to see what the readers think on something like this.
Hi John Miele – I pretty much agree with your sentiments. It’s interesting to hear the thoughts of you and others.
Hi Nicholas – Yeah, the site is doing very well as it is now, and I am very happy for that! Good luck with your “first of the year” New Year Celebration!
Hi Klaus – Thanks for voting.
Hi Ron LaFleur – It sounds like what you are looking for is a forum. I have brought that up before, and it was pretty soundly put down by the readers. I’ve always thought that a forum could be quite successful here. Maybe I should consider it again.
Happy New Year, Ron!
Hi Ed Griffin – Sad story about the Nigerian scam, I’m sorry to hear that it happened to you. I’m happy that you’ve put it behind you, though.
Thanks for sharing your view.
Hi Paul – I’ve got it! I think that your view on this is pretty much right in line with the others too.
Hi Jack – thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think that the acceptance level is pretty clear, even though the number of votes is still low. That’s no problem, I just thought I’d see if it was something that you guys were interested in.
Hi Michael – Thanks for sharing your thoughts, they are much appreciated. It sounds like you have a good knowledge in the area of branding too, something that is of serious interest to me.
Hi John in Austria – it’s kind of funny, I think most who are supporting option 2 are really in favor of option 3 (don’t do it at all), but are willing to go for #2 so that others might benefit. As I think about it, I don’t think there is a huge audience of young people who are interested in living in a foreign country. I will be keeping it in mind, though.
Thanks for sharing your opinion, John, and Happy New Year to you!
Hi Dave – thanks for sharing your thoughts! I am glad that you find the current format to be useful. Happy New Year to you!
Hi Bruce – I never did anything to my friendster page, it is just the standard page when you start out, so even that can be helpful.
Regarding AdSense, just keep plugging away, soon you will get a check every month, if you keep trying.
Hi macky – Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue.
Hi John H – Maybe LiP has come to the point where a forum is needed. For about 2 years now I’ve been mentioning it to readers from time to time, but got a bit of an outcry against it. Now, though, it seems that people are more in touch with the idea. I’ll ask it as a Poll question soon, and we’ll see how the reaction goes.
Hi Phil n Jess R. – Thanks for your supportive words! I’ll be considering it!
Hi brian – Well, I have a few hopes regarding a possible forum. Firstly, I think we have a fairly mature and peaceful group of readers here, and hopefully they can maintain that in a forum setting. Secondly, good moderation is a must.
Hi Tom Ramberg – Thanks so much for your supportive comment.
Hi jonaky – thanks for letting me know your feelings. That’s why I like to ask, what the readers think is really important to me.
Happy New Year! It’s just 20 minutes away here in the Philippines as I type this!
Hi Phil n Jess R. – Happy new year to you as well!
Hi chasdv – thanks for your input. I think that we are mostly all in agreement this time! Happy New Year to you!
Hi David S. – Under a social network format, each user could do many new things, start their own blogs, form groups, form friendships with others, etc. It would actually be quite different than what we have now.
Thanks for sharing your views.
Hi Bob New York – Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you make some good points too.
Happy New Year!
Hi don m. – Happy New Year to you also! I hope 2009 is a great one for all of us.
Hi james – thank you! You certainly have a unique way of getting your message across!
Hi Louis – My thinking is a tie together of WPMU with BuddyPress and also BBPress. It is looking like the vast majority of readers here really don’t want to go that way, though, so I’ll probably not do it. I may still consider adding BBPress, since there has been some mention of support for a forum added to the blog/magazine.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi frank fealey – thanks for stopping by, Frank. I hope to see you in 2009!
I know what you mean about branding, it is one of the most important things that a person can have!
Hi Carl and Ruby – I am happy that you feel that the content here at LiP is of good quality and informative. Happy New Year to you!
Hi Danny – thanks for sharing your opinion on this. I think that the trend of opinions is pretty clear.
Hi Tom N – I am leaning that way myself…
Hi Ian S – got you…. thanks for your comment.
Hi Dr. sponklong – I have not really totally revealed my thoughts on this, so I will now.
When I first started checking into the software that makes this setup possible, I got a lot of curiosity about it. My initial reaction was – this is perfect for LiP. Let’s do it! After thought, I was not certain. After I posted the question, one of the first comments (maybe the first) brought up the generational issues, something that I had not even thought about. Almost immediately, my leaning was toward #3 – don’t do it at all. I agree that a SN site might drive the older readers away. We have a really good group of people here on the site, and I would not want to break that up. We have a mix of ages too. There are regulars here who are in their early 20′s, and there are guys in their 70′s, maybe older. I like the mix of readers that we have now, and I feel like each of the regulars who comment here and participate in the site is my friend to some extent. I value what I hear from the readers here.
So, that, for me, leaves option #2 or #3. Right now, I am leaning toward #3, just don’t do it at all. The reason? More people have voted for #2, but many people qualified their vote – “I won’t use it, but let’s go #2 in case others want it.” That means that support for #2 is very weak. Did you notice that not one person voted #1? That’s a good indicator of the interest.
I must say, I am extremely happy with the site as it is. My initial enthusiasm for making such a change was just a “hey, it’s cool that I can do this” sort of thing, I think.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!