http://www.influxinsights.com/blog/ 2008-09-08T14:23:47Z http://www.influxinsights.com/blog/article/1561/the-future-of-facebook-it-s-time-to-get-serious.html <span style="font-weight: bold;">Facebook</span> has been described as the Google of its generation. A new internet tool that brings accessible social networking to the masses. On a basic level, it does a fine job, it does all the things you want it to and it's easy to manage.<br><br>The problem is that it's perhaps a little too easy. We get attracted by the blinkling lights and add new applications and join groups on a whim. It's wonderful to see those groups grow and cool when new fun applications arrive, it's a little like living in an amusement arcade. <br><br>However, while all this stuff is happening we seem to be missing the powerful potential of this social network to make a difference and to do something really interesting for all of us.<br> <br> Today, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Time </span>Incorporated announced <a target="_blank" href="http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=120239">it was closing its magazine Business 2.0</a>. It was a sad day for subscribers and those of us who were fortunate enough to get free copies of the magazine. <br> <br> However, for the 2,500+ members of the Facebook group that had formed to try and save the mag, myself included, it was another day on the social network, with all the usual distractions. <br> <br> Many had probably forgotten they had joined the group in the first place, others had lost interest after a few days. <br> <br> The problem is that it's easy to click and join and very hard to do something constructive. <br> <br> It's the big weakness in the Facebook system.<br> <br>For groups, it's hard to leverage, galvanize, manage and do something great with Facebook. <br> <br> Facebook is attracting a ton of people and it's doing a great job with the basics, but the real "win" is leveraging the collective wisdom and power of crowds to do something interesting; to buy goods at a discount, to give loans, change the political system, raise environmental standards, reduce poverty and yes, even keep interesting business magazines afloat. <br> <br> If Facebook can do this, fantastic.However, I have a hunch that a couple of kids in Mumbai are working on something that can do everything Facebook can do but will&nbsp; trump it because it can harness the collective power of the crowd.&nbsp; <br> <br> Facebook, the clock is a ticking. <br><br>Posted by Ed Cotton Influx Insights 2007-09-06T11:50:29Z