Social networking is not just another fad. Social networks are here to stay. Facebook has 250,000,000 registered users; Friendster has 90,000,000; and MySpace has 263,000,000 [Source:Wikipedia.com 08-25-09]. While it's true that some social sites will crash and burn on the information highway, others will spring up and blossom into smaller more specific communities.

These smaller social networking websites offer a more personalized experience by tightly focusing on the interests of its members rather than trying to build a brand. They are known as specialty networking sites or "niche" social networking sites, and people are willing to move from network to network until they find that one special site where they feel a genuine sense of connection and community.

More and more large companies, universities and small businesses are getting their own social websites up and running so they can connect with their employees and students; fans or customers; and people from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. The types of social networking websites differ of course, due to the diverse nature of people, organizations and businesses. Naturally, then, there is a clear distinction between social networks that help you do something, like marketing your business or accomplish certain goals and those networks that offer a "social" connection.

Are you thinking about developing your own social site? Creating a stand-alone community social site or adding community and social networking to a corporate website? If the answer is yes, then you most likely will need our professional help. The considerations one must think about in creating a social network site are endless, and most of our clients aren't even sure where to begin. Even though a social site designs may look like normal websites, a lot more is happening in the background than most people are aware of.

What do you want to accomplish with your social network? What about the development process and functionality of the site? These questions and many, many more will need to be reviewed and answered by everyone involved in the project.

There's layout and design, registration systems, creating custom signup for users, customizing fields for users to describe themselves, photos, videos, email messages, calendars, setting up user groups and so forth. Additionally, there are important security measures that need to be addressed to prevent malicious attacks, unsolicited comments and profanity filters. Least we not forget, the site needs an administrator; someone with the technical knowledge and the time to monitor the site; to suspend or remove users who abuse their membership.

Online social networking is a phenomenon that has drastically changed the landscape of how people connect and socialize with each other. That socialization is possible through the internet and the social networking websites. People interact and connect with each other from and "on" those websites. They provide a foundation in which society reacts to new ideas through the viewpoints and opinions of others; sharing ideas and stories; finding inspiration and information relative to each particular users interests, desires, and ambitions. Social networking websites make it all happen and millions of people are happier because of them.

So, if you're seriously thinking about starting a social networking site, talk with the professionals first. We have build Joomla based Social Websites for multiple types of  communities such as Churches & Congregations, Pilot Networks, Bicycle lovers, Dating and Matchmaking, Pet owners and many more. GWS-Studio will be proud to assist you!

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