Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer
Are you on Facebook? I remember the first time I heard the term FB, I thought it was a curse word and I was ready to slap someone. Looking back at it now, if a girl told you to get on FB before you could talk to her, and you didn't know what it meant, you'd be on the defensive too.
This week, we'll be looking at the new craze sweeping the nation: social networks.
What are social networks?
Social networks are online communities where people meet, socialise, exchange digital files, etc. These sites are often used to launch new bands and to promote TV shows and movies through viral marketing. Some popular examples of social networks are Facebook, MySpace, Hi5, Twitter and Buzz.
What's the point?
After years of ducking and dodging the inevitable, I made the plunge a few months ago. These sites will make you an e-junkie in no time. You use it until you're totally caught up in it and forget there is life beyond your bedroom door.
These sites help boost your friend numbers and forge stronger links, not to mention professional networking. You can find jobs and lots of items for sale on these sites, which makes it less of a hassle for persons for the grand search.
Of course, mini games like FarmVille and Sorority Life which are available to users when they sign up are quite addictive.
What do I need to join?
To become a member of any social network, you'll need an email address. But having an email address alone doesn't let you enjoy social networks to the fullest. There is one more peripheral needed to make your experience on these social networks a roller-coaster ride.
What more do I need?
First of all, persons like to know who they are socialising with. So having a recent photo that is clearly visible on your profile is a must if you want to have any friends. Photos are very important on social networks because that's the only way you can definitively tell who you are talking to. So a device that is capable of taking some decent photos is a necessity.
Final Thoughts
My eyes have been opened to the world, and meeting new persons online isn't that bad after all. So if you are ever on Facebook, link up with me. By next week, I'll be on Twitter, tweeting up a storm.
The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068 or 754-5048.
My recommendations are very simple:
1 If the recession has you by the neck, the best thing to do is invest your money in a functional web cam like the Logitech C200. It will set back your debit card less than $3,000, but you have the reassurance of quality pics.
2 With a bit more dough in your pocket you can purchase a high-end camera with a low-end name like the BenQ DC C1230. It takes great photos on a budget.
3 If you plan to go the extra mile and get a camera that's going to take clear, crisp photos all the time to post on your profile, the Olympus Stylus 9000 is the way to go.