Just kidding of course. I do worry about “too many moving parts” here. Given that the data portability and privacy implications of Facebook aren’t exactly unpublicized, it seems hard to me to argue that people (at least currently) seem willing to forsake these in favour of the “all in one” silo. Maybe given the option not too (in a new system that offered as much and was similarly easy to use but not a silo) they might not. But I do sometimes worry that we are making assumptions about the users, I’m not saying these worries are big enough to not do this (it’s a great idea!) but it’s gotta be simple. That said, if the modern-day CMS is the yardstick by which it’ll be measured, then bob’s your uncle!

But we’ve all seen the number of facebook users grow to an incredible point in spite of the fact that there was already the juggernaut MySpace available. People came to facebook because they saw something interesting. It met some need. Maybe that need was simply the ability to throw a sheep at somebody, but I think it was more.

So really the question becomes does an idea like the one Justin proposes present something new? Something users will say, “hey, I’d like to do that”. If it does, then people will join.

Personally, I think it does. And once people see the value, they’ll want to hop in. Not necessarily because they don’t want their information siloed (though there will be many who join for that exact reason), but for any number of other reasons. Things they can do, and have control over, that are not currently available in any of the social networks.

Great conversation, thanks!

I am looking forward to reading about your ideas. I think we have a conference call this next week. In this space what you guys are doing at UBC is pretty cool and we have a lot in common.

Andre, I agree that Facebooks greatest value is that everyone is at the party. However, in spite of my ripping on Facebook I don’t think that these efforts will result in one giant party that will compete with Facebook and Myspace.

What we want to enable is the formation of a social graph between bloggers and a platform for niche communities. In that space I think people will adopt the technology because they derive personal benefit from it. Those wanting to create communities will do it because the technology is free and they can do what they want with it. If they want to form a community around underwater basket weaving they will be able to do that. If they want to run ads to make money they can do that. If they build the community so their friends can get together it is simple to do so. I think people will create communities because it benefits them which is key to the success of any system.

I think users will install the plugin because it will let them slip in and out of communities with ease. The fact that I don’t have to recreate my entire profile is a key selling point. I don’t envision grabbing every Facebook user. Instead I envision getting the attention of existing bloggers who want to enrich their blogging experience.

One other key point. This system will go into production for Teachers Without Borders. That is an established community with thousands of members. Even if that is the only community that ever uses this system we will be justified in building. However, I am hoping that others see the value in this and a great desire wells up within them to participate.