Note to self: functions of social networking

Christina Wodtke recently posted some presentation slides, two of which describe the “Webb/Butterfield/Smith Model” of social network functions, as follows:

1. Identity
   • Profile
   • Connections
2. Presence
   • Availability of profile via search
   • Network design encouraging frequent updates
3. Relationships
   • Friends
   • Degrees of separation
4. Reputation
   • Recommendations
   • Positive moderation
5. Groups
   • Common interests
   • Signalling acquaintance but not friendship
6. Conversations
   • Comments
   • Forum posts
7. Sharing
   • Broadcasting talent
   • Creating resources

I’m posting this model because of its value in demarcating the areas of social network and application design — any successful network or application needs to do an extraordinary job of simplifying at least one leg of the model.

For the sake of focus, I reiterate that social networking fulfills the following objectives for those who engage in it:

• Formation of new relationships
• Maintenance and reinforcement of existing relationships, particularly those hindered by geographical or time constraints
• Conduct of asynchronous conversations
• Reputation/image management
• Contribution of capital to the “gift economy”
• Measurement and/or development of support for specific social/political/professional/business goals

Not all networks need to fulfill all goals.