Imbee, a new “safe” social networking and blogging for 8-14 year olds, has just been announced. There is a cost for full service and I wonder how this will influence participation (there are free alternatives – e.g., blogmeister).
I would guess the success of such ventures depends on some type of “critical mass.”
- Will your average 7th grader be interested if his/her friends don’t have the $30 per year to join?
- How important is the “unknown audience” to bloggers? Perhaps knowing that the audience is restricted will reduce motivation to be an active participant.
I see that additional individuals can be added at a much reduced rate. Perhaps there is some way to enroll a class of paricipants if the class can raise the money.
I think critical mass is a crucial concept in the popularity of social networking. The challenge is how to achieve what adolescents accept as critical mass within a restricted environment. I do think it is great that investors are willing to offer some alternatives. The services likely warrant the price. Good luck.
