Good discussion on Designing for Social Sharing
I've always found Rashmi's work top notch. This presentation delivered at Webvisions calls out some good rules of thumb for the design of social software systems.
The following hit home for me:
The first generation social networks such as LinkedIn and Friendster versus "object mediated social networks (attributed to Katrin-Knorr Cetina)
"Design for emergent architecture" (which sounds to me like my own "Design for Possibility").
"Make systems personally useful" (the best way to get someone into a social system is to give them a "social" tool that delivers value to them in a completely selfish way -- oh yeah, and then there's the social aspect).
"Bite-sized self-expression" (one of the cornerstones to my team's approach to community is to understand the players as individuals -- and the best way to do that is to let them express themselves in as many ways as possible).
"Allow for levels of participation" (in our environment we're likely to have far more consumers than synthesizers or creators than the Bradley believes is the norm -- and that's fine -- the key will be to gradually introduce the benefits of higher levels of participation and to simplify the way there).
"Let poeple feel the presence of others" (so birds flock, fish school, dogs pack, and humans associate in communities -- we're hard wired for association -- we'll gravitate to the group if we're given a chance).
And last but not least -- at least in my view:
"Allow for alternative viewpoints -- Social sharing can lead to tyranny of dominant view" and "Enable Serendipity" (All praise the long tail and the serendipitous discovery that is the hallmark of its presence -- we've only barely scratched the surface here).
I appreciate Rashmi's saving the long tail discussion for (almost) last. In my view it's a point to take to heart. As the pioneers evolve into citizens, the temptation will be to view social sharing through reference-focused glasses. The effect will be temporary, but people are going to make a lot of mistakes, and miss a lot of opportunities, until they get past it.
