This week New Time Media has been delving into the most hyped product in years Google Wave. After watching the introduction video that explains the logic and thinking behind the product, I myself like many others have been itching to try the new piece of kit. Although at the time of writing Google Wave is only available by invitation there is already a bucket load of plug-ins and advise floating around on the internet; just type Google Wave WordPress in a Twitter search and you’ll see what I mean. After a few trial runs and option scanning the first thought where positive, however as with all new concepts cautions is always taken; am I looking at something I’ve already got, only served differently?
By far the most exciting aspect of Google Wave for me was the integration into blogs; a concept that I’m sure will open new avenues for social networking ideas. Searching WordPress.org I stumbled across this rather useful plug-in from Lucas Caro which allows WordPress to use the Google Wave Embed API. As Waves is still in Beta format, so is this plug-in, so caution should be applied. Once Google Wave has been fully released in a stable format a more serious attempt can be made at creating simple integration for WordPress, until then I’m sure this plug-in will do just fine for those looking into this exciting product.

Had it been April 1st you may have passed this news off as an April fool’s joke. It is true however that Facebook has introduced a Lite version of its popular social networking site.

The company claims to be aiming at developing countries where connections and computers are still slow. The site itself offers a cut down version of the original Facebook site, and has a twitter-like look and feel.

This may yet offer an alternative platform to Twitter, who itself is currently having an identity crises when considering ways to fund itself without deterring the current user base.

What seems a very thoughtful gesture by Facebook allowing all users regardless of their connection speed and computer power access to the social network revolution; may yet become another competitor for Twitter.

Well after much deliberation as to what the source of income for the popular Twitter would be, it has been announced today that Twitter will allow advertising on its website. Discussed in an earlier post it seems that the followers of this technology will have to now consider the consequences of advertising.

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Twitter has been under fire recently and not just from malevolent hackers. It seems that the trendy social networking and microblogging site is experiencing somewhat of an identity crises as it battles both the fickleties of trend hopping young users and like so many at this time, a shortage of cash.

Attacks and fraud directed at the site have become rife and as the concerned depart the format, an even greater need for advertising derived revenue might fuel the exodus. Loyal users are a rare commodity; facebook and Youtube have found that out. Few if any of the online community would tolerate a constant influx of advertisements or alternately consider paying a subscription charge to continue Twittering.

Isn’t it more likely that we, as a society might revaluate our need for and expectations of social networking? I like many have little or no interest in knowing the minute by minute activities of even those closest to me in my social circle. We have the mobile phone and email for that do we not?

If Twitter is to become an advertising vehicle then it seems only sensible that Twitter allows advertisements to be channelled according to its user’s predefined preferences. Simply selling ad space to the highest bidder would seem counterproductive to the longevity of the portal. These are decisions that Business and individuals will need to considerer as new investors are fought over, unlike the late 90’s investors are now savvy to trends and in the driving seat .

How long will it be before the uberbrand Google beat social networking to death with it’s own stick by reinventing the concept and having the cash to keep it going?