Features trump community May31 '07
The other day, Chris Lott shared an interesting insight:
The important thing about any social network service is the people– to some degree it trumps even stability. If it didn’t, none of the popular apps would have any users anymore!
I tend to disagree somewhat. The comment I left there only scratches the surface.
Community is important, but it's only an after-thought. A "perk," if you will.
The reason I start using a new service is the features. Through technology, does it transform the stuff I do in new and exciting ways? If not, it's a waste of my time. I don't use the internet to regurgitate my life over and over. I use it to learn something new about my life.
The most important part of any application is what it teaches you. What new things are you thinking that you weren't before? What new possibilities lie before you?
Lost, then found
The sure-fire way to tell if I'm going to stick with a new application is if, initially, I'm completely baffled as to why anyone would find such a concept useful.
That's right - I have to be utterly lost and confused before I can appreciate a new application. If I'm not lost, and I know exactly what I'm getting into, then what will I learn? It's through my ignorance that I eventually gain enlightenment.
This is how personal growth occurs. The new application forces me to adopt a new concept, and therefore, pushes the realms of my knowledge to new levels.
A new application should have me yearning to return to it, like an alcoholic to the bottle; or a mother to her child.
What does the application do for you?
Recently I've expanded my content to Twitter and Tumblr.
I didn't start using these applications because they are the "latest and greatest," or because someone told me, "It's cool - everyone is on there."
I started using them because they transformed the stuff I do in new and exciting ways. Their concept, or their features, had me going "oooh aaah." I also find myself returning to these applications constantly - I almost crave exposure to them.
The community aspect of these applications is also very nice, but it's only a "perk." After all, I started using Twitter and Tumblr alone. From day one, I had no contacts, friends, etc. Over time, I've gained contacts, and met a lot of new and interesting people.
However, if something changed about the application (such as, it becomes very "buggy" all of a sudden), I wouldn't remain with it solely for the community aspect. I'd have no problem leaving it for something that works.
An application should do something for you. You shouldn't stick with something just because "all your friends are on there."
Categories: Learning 
, Tumblr , Twitter , Web Sites
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I see your point, but I guess for me, though one starts without contacts with an application like Twitter, I wouldn't continue using it if I didn't ... Read more.