Great metaphor by Liz Lawley (see below) people should remember if they are involved in the user experience, design and community-building aspects of social networks: Macworld | Researchers help define next-generation social networking. ???One creating a huge tension in social interactions,??? One thing that???s MORE >>

The following archetypes help illustrate dynamics involving identity within social structures. Mary is considered “opinionated” by peers but that perception is altered once co-workers have access to information that provides her social footing in terms of credibility and expertise (i.e., Mary takes on a social role (i.e., MORE >>

Perhaps one of the most well-intentioned yet misunderstood categorizations I’ve seen made by a variety of sources has been a segmentation model which draws sharp distinctions between “teams”, “communities”, and “social networks” – essentially treating them as separate entities. Teams and communities are social networks. MORE >>

It’s not trending on Twitter just yet, but I’ve noticed recently that a number of individuals I follow are taking breaks from it and other social networks. Some have announced their intentions; others have just gone quiet — and it seems that social network burnout is to blame. More on Social media. MORE >>

& Social Software (Part 3). & Social Software (Part 2). & Social Software. Social Media. Earlier this year, there was a noticeable spike in my inquiry load concerning social media. conference San Francisco: Social Networking and Identity - A Cautionary Tale. Defining Social Media. MORE >>