CommuniKate: Social Media Musings – KateDickman.com CommuniKATE: Social Media & Other Musings

Sites I Like That You Probably Have Never Heard Of

I was thinking about these particular sites that I use(d) and how I don't use them as much because many of my friends simply are not open minded about setting up a new profile other than on sites they know about.  Me?  I love any new concept and will sign up for just about any site to at least give it a test drive.  While it can be time consuming to keep up on every site, some of these newer web 2.0 ventures truly are worth a shot.

The first is BrightKite.  Many people within the online marketing industry know what it is but those out of it certainly don't.  BrightKite is a location based version of "checking in."  If you're familiar with the status updates on Facebook, it is similar to that only you "check in" from whatever location you're at - whether it be the Starbucks down the street from you or whether you are vacationing near the Grand Canyon.   You can see others who are also checked in close to you and see what they're up to.  Not only that, but you can post pictures and/or notes from where you're at.  If you're on a boat doing whale watching and get a sweet picture on your camera phone of that lovely whale's tail, you can send it directly from your phone to the site.  Unfortunately I don't really know many people on it, so viewing photos of what a stranger ate for breakfast isn't really my thing, but if anyone wants to sign up - do let me know!  I've got 8 invites left.

The second is Wallop.  This site is a "VIP" only invite site filled with socialites from all around the world - particularly Los Angeles.  It's pretty entertaining and if it was more open, I'd say it would be a hit.  If you ever get the chance to log in, the interface is pretty amazing.  The customizable site options are rather impressive as well and the options seem pretty endless.  Sometimes I feel like it's Web 3.0 if you ever saw it.  It can be a tad bit confusing but overall I really enjoyed using it when I first signed on.  I don't sign on as much due to having invited my friends but none really being willing to sign up or staying on themselves.  I think it would be a great tool if more folks I knew were on it.

Then there is Multiply.  I think more people know of this site than the other two I mentioned but this site is just greatness.  I really can't pinpoint why I like it really, but I guess it's a lot more cleaner than Myspace and offers more in ways.   You're able to post blogs, videos, photos, reviews and more.  Again, my site on here has not been updated in a year or two due to no one catching on to it as well.

It's quite funny that sites like Myspace and Facebook are so popular when you've got sites that have so much more functionality and are far more user-friendly that are available.  It's all about who comes first.  Facebook and Myspace have been here for years and all new start ups that are similar are almost bound to perhaps gain some momentum but not enough to ever trump the two giants.  It's a shame too - these sites really could have some potential!