The Liberal Democrats recently announced it is to use the social networking platform called Ning to create a social network for all members and supporters.
The purpose is to use this network to engage with anyone, members and non-members, in connecting with friends, coordinating events, discussing common interests and issues or even writing a blog. You don’t need to be a member of the Lib Dems to sign up and particpate.
However, many Lib Dems have been using Facebook for exactly this sort of thing. Will they now leave this behind?
This new Lib Dem network is still in its early days and the claim that the Lib Dem presence at the various Wave events last Saturday was only possible via this network is very suspect. I’ve also to see any ‘discussions’ taking place. It’s probable most of the events would have been listed on Facebook anyway.
The difficulty with social networks is that there are too many of them. Trying to keep them updated is time consuming. Creating an event in one is not always easily translated into another – copy and paste only works so far! Why would you want to write yet another blog? They’ve even introduced ‘Tweetboard’ to ensure people don’t miss out on their Tweet fix.
For me, decisions will have to be made soon as to what social network tools I continue to use. What about you?
Will the use of Ning mean Lib Dems leaving Facebook?
The Liberal Democrats recently announced it is to use the social networking platform called Ning to create a social network for all members and supporters.
The purpose is to use this network to engage with anyone, members and non-members, in connecting with friends, coordinating events, discussing common interests and issues or even writing a blog. You don’t need to be a member of the Lib Dems to sign up and particpate.
However, many Lib Dems have been using Facebook for exactly this sort of thing. Will they now leave this behind?
This new Lib Dem network is still in its early days and the claim that the Lib Dem presence at the various Wave events last Saturday was only possible via this network is very suspect. I’ve also to see any ‘discussions’ taking place. It’s probable most of the events would have been listed on Facebook anyway.
The difficulty with social networks is that there are too many of them. Trying to keep them updated is time consuming. Creating an event in one is not always easily translated into another – copy and paste only works so far! Why would you want to write yet another blog? They’ve even introduced ‘Tweetboard’ to ensure people don’t miss out on their Tweet fix.
For me, decisions will have to be made soon as to what social network tools I continue to use. What about you?