Jamie Zawinski (JWZ) has some recent thoughts on developing social software. His commentary is a bit extreme, but his point is important. Social software has to be useful.
Your "use case" should be, there's a 22 year old college student living in the dorms. How will this software get him laid?
That got me a look like I had just sprouted a third head, but bear with me, because I think that it's not only crude but insightful.
"How will this software get my users laid" should be on the minds of anyone writing social software (and these days, almost all software is social software).
"Social software" is about making it easy for people to do other things that make them happy: meeting, communicating, and hooking up.
These days "almost all software is social software" is a pretty powerful statement. True to an extent, but one could argue the details. Nevertheless, the point is well-taken. If you are not providing a real benefit for people, efficiency or excitement or both, you have a tough road ahead.
wow, i almost completely disagree. that way of thinking is what has been driving so much of the social networking apps to date - things like Friendster and Dodgeball. they're fun, but not earth-shattering.
what i'd like is social software that can help me make money. so would everyone else. then getting laid, buying a boat, whatever is your own responsibility.
and please don't tell me to go to LinkedIn. what a collosal waste of time.
Anthony, I see your point. I guess I wasn't taking Zawinski very literally. Taking him literally would mean more "Hot or Not" or "Friendster" or crap that doesnt really push us forward.