A few years back I wrote a post about Facebook and if they can win the battle over MySpace.
Here are the highlights of that post written back in 2007:
Provides a legitimate social networking platform
- MySpace: Yes, but who is part of the network? Probably, friends you met at a party, someone who is in your class, someone you think is cute, or spam.
- Facebook: Yes, and although the network could be any of the above, it also includes colleagues and business professionals. That’s the difference! The network on Facebook is a lot more professional and older. Obviously, MySpace has its own niche, but will this survive the rapid popularity of Facebook?
Provides an opportunity to show one’s personality
- MySpace: Yes, all power is in the hands of the creator. This is something MySpace has mastered! And the younger generation loves it! But, does it get old? Well, I know my sister loves MySpace and so do my parents, but what about my generation? Where do we go? FACEBOOK…but can facebook keep my generation for long?
- Facebook: No, theres not much room for creativity. Of course this is the intention, but is it the right strategy? I know its great for my generation, but will it withstand the generation swings? Can Facebook keep people like me interested?
Web 2.0?
- MySpace: Although, I’d say that MySpace has some good web 2.0 widgets, its just not up to par. Then again, this might not be their strategy. But, this could put them significantly behind competition if they dont keep up because their users are evolving…and they need to be aware of this.
- Facebook: Absolutely! I like the whole idea about the Feeds (although some think its a bit invasive). Plus now you can import flickr photos directly to facebook!
Here to stay?
- MySpace: Yes, but for who? I feel like MySpace is very niche, either you like it or you dont! Can this keep them the top social networking site? Im not too sure
- Facebook: Face it, we are all on it or at least talking about it. Even the Community Evangelist at LinkedIn, Mario Sundar, has a facebook account. AND even Jeremiah, who asked the question if he really needs it since he already has LinkedIn and his blog, signed up and is adding friends.
The key questions I asked were:
- MySpace is a niche platform, but can they survive the popularity of Facebook? Facebook exploded and MySpace could not do anything about it. Instead they integrated with fb and remained a niche market. In the end, this hurt them and they will not be able to recover.
- MySpace is interesting and can Facebook keep my generation interested? At first Facebook seemed to be boring and me along with everyone else I knew (my family, coworkers, and friends) but now it completely switched. Turns out Facebook is more “cool” and receptive of all generations because of its ease of use and instant mobile capabilities. Its fast and easy to set up profiles and keep them updated. For older generations thats key b/c they may not be as tech savy as younger generations. For younger generations its key b/c our lives are so fast we need something easy to update! Facebook has kept me interested and my vote is it will continue to.
- Who wins the battle of Web 2.0 integrations? Facebook is the KING of feeds and won this by far. But its more of everyone wants to be a part of Facebook, rather than Facebook trying to reach out. This is what makes the tool so compelling! Its the fact that any other social media tool is integrated and can update my status on fb.
- Are they here to stay? Facebook yes and MySpace probably not for the mainstream but still for musical artists. Thats the niche for them. Facebook has flourished into something bigger than what anyone every expected. Now if you dont have a Facebook, we look at you like “whats wrong with you.” Just like anyone who plays music on the go needs to have an iPod, anyone who cares about their “social” status, needs a Facebook.
There we have it, looks like the battle is over and has been over for quite some time. Good job on Facebook’s part with taking a small idea and making it big. Facebook is even considering buying Skype now. The sky is the limit for them.