Joe Keenan of e-Marketing & Commerce muses here on the future evolution of social networks, relying on the prognostications of Forrester Research. He notes that 42% of social netters maintain profiles on two or more social sites, and points to applications that will make identity "portability" a reality soon.

Today I’m forwarding two quite different articles about online social networks — both have relevance to online fundraising. The first, from Center for Research , is your typical report on social network usage — who does it, what they do, etc. Make sense?

As you might expect, the most active users are still in the 15-24 age group, with 86% of them visiting social networking sites and spending an average of 4.6 That’ll be an interesting growth rate to review in 12 months time… Tags: Facebook MySpace Online fundraising Social networking Twitter Bryan Miller Fundraisin

As you might expect, the most active users are still in the 15-24 age group, with 86% of them visiting social networking sites and spending an average of 4.6 That’ll be an interesting growth rate to review in 12 months time… Tags: Facebook MySpace Online fundraising Social networking Twitter Bryan Miller Fundraisin

As use of online social networks continues to grow worldwide, one of the most important questions to ask is how the user profile of different sites differs - to give an indication as to whether the type of consumers you want to engage with are actually spending time there in significant numbers. Facebook

Vance notes the disproportionate use of social net sites by Hispanics, which he attributes to a combination of younger age profile and cultural values that emphasize family and community. think this is a key point for any nonprofit experimenting with the social sites … you can’t "manufacture" a community.

However, I must admit that when I blogged about Causes on its first anniversary I wasn’t all that impressed with its fundraising success. Provision of quality support and fundraising ideas for Causes users. It seems to me that there are three key contributing factors to take note of: 1. You can read a full report of the challenge here.

Just to remind you, I’m looking especially at online fundraising appeals, use of online video, and use of social media. So how adroitly have they mastered the online medium? was a bit disappointed with GPUSA online, especially regarding online fundraising, as you’ll see.

Although you know I hate to fan your social media flames, here are the latest social media usage stats from the Pew Internet Project. Some highlights: 46% of online American adults are social network site (SNS) users. Only 10% of SNS users are ages 55+ (oh well, now I’m less interested again).

Of course a huge surge of support for "word of mouth" was generated by the arrival of social media tools and platforms, which seemed to significantly diminish the cost and logistical challenges of stimulating and spreading "buzz." In some cases, social networks themselves may be contributing to the decline in trust.