Social Networking on the Internet

MySpace, Friendster, Gather.com, Facebook, Xanga.


Chances are you have heard of at least one of these or other online networking sites. Their growing popularity is really testament to their user-friendly qualities and the proven benefits of being engaged with others over the internet.


These sites allow for a unique, multimedia way to interact with readers and fellow writers. Many of these networks, among several other amenities, provide the user space for a personal profile which you can make as specific as you wish, or even create pseudonymously.



The way the online networks are set up, users (sometimes even non-network members) may browse the members' pages with the option of actions such as commenting on a photo or entry, emailing that member, seeing who else visits that page, and creating links from that page to other members' pages.



There are many online social networks to choose from with varying drawing points to each. Let me offer a very brief survey of the biggest social networks. MySpace attracts a variety of ages, but appeals strongly to a younger audience. MySpace offers plenty of space to upload material in a varitey of ways including video clips and sound files. Friendster also seems to have a user base similar to the MySpace population (generally ages 18-35) but has a slightly more refined search engine allowing members to search the pages for interesting contacts. Xanga (xanga.com) is unique in that it offers web-rings within a site through which people can sign up by invitation to read your work. Live Journal has a large number of members who write and an even larger number of those who read. In Live Journal, you can add a "tag" to your page that aids in directing to your site users searching for your topic. Gather.com is a community of people who generally fall into the 30-60 age range with a very strong writing focus. Gather offers space for posting your writing and gaining critiques from other writers.



Social networking sites generally have members who are very active on the internet, posting in web forums and blogs often. This means heightened exposure for you. The more people visit your site, the more connections you make, which translates ultimately into others stopping at your site to look around, read an excerpt, and buy your book.

To get your help with your personal online marketing plan visit www.millcitypress.net or click on the title of this entry.

A Contest for a Publishing Contract?

We are a self-publishing company and believe it is possible to make money and yes, even become a bestselling author by self-publishing your work. Just look at Richard Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. He started out by self-publishing and has been on the bestseller lists for 5 years running!

But, if your main aim of self-publishing is to attract a top literary agent, and in turn, a traditional publisher for your work, there is a site you should become familiar with. Gather, best described as a MySpace for grown-ups, is growing fast and declares to its users, "It's a place where you can contribute thought, art, commentary, or inspiration." Don't visit Gather expecting blasting music and girls in bikinis (although you may find some).

Gather is looking for you. Specifically, they are looking for you to write content, content that generates discussion. Based on the interest discussion, they will even share a small portion of their ad revenue in the form of GatherPointsTM. Could it get any better?

Yes, well, it can. The Gather First Chapters Writing Competition has just been announced. For novelists looking for their big break, winners receive the following:

• a publishing contract with Touchstone/Simon & Schuster

• a $5,000 cash prize from Gather.com

• promotion and distribution by Borders

Visit firstchapters.gather.com for more information on the contest, rules, and deadlines.