Feeling Passionate About WD-40

InternetNews.com’s David Needle on assignment for WebNewser at the UGCX.

While Facebook, MySpace and a handful of others are readily identified as social networks, social sites on the Web abound whether or not they’re recognized as such.

“I think we need to redefine social networks,” Richard Jalichandra, President and CEO of blog search engine and resource site Technorati. “I have people who don’t know each other but met on my profile page. Now someone I went to kindergarten with is having arguments about Sarah Palin on my wall.”

Fast-growing Ning is a service that helps individuals and groups create their own social networks. Rachel Masters, Vice President of Strategic Relationships at Ning, noted several companies (WD-40) and celebrities (50 Cent) that have a site on Ning. But she also said it’s not for every company out there.

“I don’t think every brand should have one,” said Masters. “Only if you have a distinct brand or person that people feel passionate about.”

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.