Social networking sites like this a "waste of time"?

That's what the Guardian's Zoe Williams reckons anyway:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2101717,00.html

 

Isn't everything other than procreation a waste of time ?

 

Some day I will probably throw in the towel to social networking sites.

 

Ive met lots of friends off this site so I think they work fine

 

There are many ways to have relationships. I guess you shouldn't have all your relationships on line but when there is no one around you that is on the same wave length its a good place to be. Also, when you have problems that you are too shy to share in person there is always someone out here that has been there.

 

She's more talking about sites like myspace and facebook than discussion forums I think... the whole purpose of myspace seems to be 1) to put pictures of yourself up and 2) to say "hello" or variations thereupon to other people who have put pictures of themselves up...

 

Myspace isn't so good anymore. Apparently it has far more restrictions. Facebook, something new but maybe I might avoid this one.

I think there comes a time with any social networking online to come to a point in the future and think, "well maybe it is time to move on".

 

yeah its all a bunch of cunts who read the guardian but a load of dickheads who use sites for social networking. I just go on them to take the piss out of everyone.
Also that whole article is an advert whats the first instinct you get when reading it "oh I will have to have a look at that site" fuck it - its better here taking the piss out of the retards

 

you know, i'm a lot less shy and unsocial than i used to be, thanks to this site.

 

oh right ! thats interesting to know.

 

i use Myspace but only to send messages with my brother really as he never checks his e-mail. it helped me contact a few friends i had lost touch with years ago, but apart from a few of you from on here, i don't know anyone else on there and don't bother "socializing" through their site to try to meet other people. it's all so fake really.

facebook, took a look at that once, but they wanted to know WAY too much personal info to even sign up, in my opinion. so no chance of using that at all. can't say i'd be interested if it were easier.

i see both those sites not as was to "network" but as ways to just stay in touch with people you already know.

 

Yeah Daps she finally comes to her point that for her places like this are for getting off with people. Not that there's anything wrong in that. I had the same dismissive attitude to these types of sites, not about the bullshit of a woman meeting a man but about the fact there's a world outside.

But I have found I'm engaging with people and having some interesting debates and a few annoying tit for tat insults, but it just adds colour to the fabric of this site. A lot of you who seem to surf say that this community here is unique in its development, either way although I wouldn't use the word friend I enjoy passing comments with a lot of you and have had the intention of meeting up with some, maybe not this year's festivals but maybe next, who knows. One thing's for sure as we seem to live in the far reaches of this country and beyond if it wasn'st for this site we wouldn't have the ability to communicate like this and develop friendships!

 

you know you're just completely fascinated. you'll be thinking about it and pondering it and wondering "just what kind of girl IS that K.C.?"

or not.

 

Well, I find Myspace and Facebook a waste of time, but not this site... guess I'm just a hypocrite

 

Facebook and Myspace are completely different animals. Facebook emerged from student/college networks. Originally you had to be at a university to join. It's opened up now, but it continues to be a useful tool to organise your social life and keep in touch with people who perhaps aren't your closest friends, but you might nevertheless want to get hold of every now and again. Myspace is probably amongst the worst designed sites ever and looks like a pile of crap to me. I hate it with a passion. It might be good if you're in a band and you need to promote yourself - if I ever need to promote my novel I might use Myspace - but other than that I can't see a whole lot of point in it. Forums like this, however, I would not see in the same light as a social networking site. I have of course used it for networking, and have made some great friends on here - but used as a medium for political and philosophical debate it is as important as hills were to the ancient Athenians, or salons coffee houses to the 19th century bourgeoisie....

 

very well stated Sal.

 

you mean, if you ever finish it ;-)

 

last night one of my workmates was an hour late joining us in the pub because he'd been noodling on Facebook. Ironic or what?

 

only if you tell me you work in a cuban cigar factory and roll the cigars by hand on your naked thigh, then I would seriously wonder what kind of girl you are !
http://www.montrealmirror.com/2004/100704/theatre.html

 

It couldn't be described any better.