This post isn’t about Radiohead, however it was inspired by the title of the track, “Everything in it’s right place.”

Everything is constantly changing, and human behavior is absolutely no exception. A recent article by Reuters outlines the growth in niche social networks even as the massive Facebook network continues to grow. As the novelty of Facebook fades and the distraction of trying to be everything to everyone loses value for networkers, we will see more and more people gravitating towards joining a network that means something to them. Ning’s overall premise is after all,  to be able to easily join many niche social networks.

The broader theme I am relating this post to, is the adoption and evolution of the web technology. The trends we are seeing are more people coming online and an explosion of new tools being developed for collaboration, community building, and communication. With these trends we will inevitable see a settling into norms and regular rhythms. Facebook has created a low frequency rhythm, as even the late majority of people now “get it.”

Example of Facebook’s rhythm:

• Casual, when you get to it.
• Unprofessional, but not childish
• Friends, not strangers
• Places to explore, ways to connect
• Things to do, ways to have fun

But the world is a big place. One look at the many tools on this list, and you’ll start seeing the many choices people have to work with. I think part of the value of Facebook, Linkedin, and even Friendfeed among others, is that it’s purpose is pretty easy to understand and you eventually align yourself to the rhythm of the platform. On the other hand, you have tools that are very flexible and complicated, like Twitter. Twitter can be used in so many different ways that the rhythm can be difficult to discover and often times, is up for you to define.

So as we embark on this journey together in this ever evolving space, I encourage you to try to find the rhythm wherever you are, and If no apparent rhythm exists or calls to you, then beat your drum louder and create your own social rhythm.

Comments are warmly appreciated