Friendster has decided to do a complete overhaul of their own social networking site to try and keep up with Facebook! “Friendster e-mailed its members over the past week to inform them to save their pictures, profile information, messages and blog posts on other sites by May 31.” Although their spokesman claims competing with Facebook would be crazy and they are doing this to, “push the boundaries” of their business, it’s clearly to keep Friendster afloat and profitable. Apparently they will revamp the site “focusing on a new platform for social interaction in gaming, music, entertainment and online shopping.” These changes are apparently to do something Facebook doesn’t, to be an entirely new site and experience. Membership will continue to be free.
My opinion on this is that it may be a good idea, but who’s to say Facebook won’t quickly follow suit? Facebook already has various interactive games available, music can easily be posted, and entertainment is easily available on FB as well. Their idea is to be a separate entity from FB, no photo albums, no profile info, no blog posts or messages, but there will still be members’ pages. how exactly does that work and how are you to identify yourself to your friends, by username only? Although the idea seems fresh and new, I’m a bit skeptical. I think Facebook can easily catch on while maintaining their format, however Friendster obviously reserves the right to try and be progressive.
I agree with Lusely. Although it seems wise to differentiate itself from Facebook, Friendster is losing the features that make Facebook so attractive in the first place. If people are not able to customize (to some degree) their profile and input personal information, I don’t think they will be quite as interested in joining Friendster. Limiting the amount of interaction between users will also discourage Friendster participants. Also, Facebook already has the ability to link members based on gaming, music, and entertainment, along with the feature of Marketplace. Friendster’s approach on these topics from a different angle doesn’t appear like it will be very beneficial for the company in the long run.