5 tips on successful social networking

This blog entry describes a presentation by Jyri Engstrom (google - social applications) from 12 June 2007 where he provides us with 5 tips on how to design successful social web applications.
Jyri approached the first crucial design question from an object-centered sociology perspective. (Think Bruno Latour - actor-network, though I still need to read more about this to make a proper connection, I have not seen him being cited in this context very much)

1. Define the object round which your service is built.

Jyri gives the examples of flicker and dogster.

2. Define the key verbs for that object

For ebay it's "buy and sell".

3. Make the object shareable!

Widgets to enable people to share objects.

4. To grow your userbase, think about what can you provide in terms of a gift users can offer their friends

Skype offered 2 free headsets (one for the person and one for the friend)

5. Work out a business model where you charge the publisher, not the spectators

Try to offer it for free. Frequently employed business model: basic service is free, but for more features you use can pay a premium.

Read blog here