From day one i had not been a huge fan of big social networking sites. I could not get into Live Journal, I don’t really care for MySpace, and did not understand the use of Twitter. Now after tons of trial and error, to see what really keeps you in touch and what doesn’t I am now very much within the social networking..network. But with careful consideration, I feel there are only a few worthy of getting the job done.

One of the things that are great about all of my selected network sites, is it actually DOES keep you in touch with people who very much want to keep in touch with you. Facebook and MySpace are were the “big” sites for you to sign up for if you wanted to begin your networking venture. At this point, after seeing ever emo scene kid, with flat-ironed hair covering one eye, looking at their sidekick, just to see if someone they don’t really know messaged them or commented their bulletin (because they ask people to) turns you off to the whole thing. After getting away from Myspace, I knew i had to stay in touch, but not with a internet community based on how many friends you have, and whether you are n their “top list” or not. Those politics, i feel, are not what social networking is about. Its about getting information to people you want to have it, and you, receiving from people you want to receive from.

This is where Pownce came into my life. I remember it was an invite-only beta, that i very much wanted to be a part of. After the wait, as soon as it was launched to the public, i knew it was exactly what i had been searching for. The user set-up is perfect. ONE photo of your choice, short description of yourself, with a chosen theme layout. That is really all you need! While setting up you can also download a native app for your Mac or PC (powered by adobe air) so you can update and see feeds straight from your desktop.  Pownce will let you advertise your site, and other social network links to the people you want, and people who are interested. Share photos, links, videos, quick! It was developed very very well, and is probably my favorite site when in front of my computer or on my iPhone. Everyone on there is on for one reason. To stay connected. This community is part of a more intelligent group which can use Pownce and Twitter to get their messages across, the way it was meant to be sent.

Although Twitter has been out long before Pownce, I feel like this is an amazing extension of that. I am a late adopter of Twit but i absolutely love it. If anything, with iPhone and Text Message integration, this is the fastest way to let people know your happenings, and vice versa. The next step to this great way of staying connected, is with more than words. This is where QIK comes in. Unfortunately, I cannot use it yet, because the iPhone cant support it without video, but any of you with Nokia’s…. Get on that. If you dont know what QIK is, Click HERE to visit them and find out.

On one last note I do have to mention a great addition to these sites and all others you may own (last.fm, flickr, ect.) It is called SocialThing! and is not only quick and efficient, but it is iPhone integrated. Thanks to fellow Powncer Amber A, i was able to join the beta, which is damn near completion. This site will let you set up an account that will login in to ALL of your social sites, allowing you to view them ALL on one page of feeds, which at the same time will let you update all of YOUR sites in bulk! Also choose the ones you don’t wanna update (See Photo). It just so happens to be that the best integration with this website is with Pownce and Twitter! If you can get an invite, join SocialThing! and you will love it.

-Jake