Blurtt.com

One of my colleagues just finished creating a site called Blurtt.com I think it is an interesting concept and can be applied to social networking in the fact that it is kind of a way that the internet allows virtual networking to contribute to real networking. Basically what blurtt does is you upload or select a design for a postcard, and they will automatically send out a physical postcard to the person of your choosing. It's also cheaper than going to a store and buying an actual postcard. I think it's cool how you can use your online network to connect physically.

If you want to check it out, see http://www.blurtt.com/ and use beta invite code twitter

This is very nice indeed. It just goes to show how much we depend on the internet network these days. We are so attached to its benefits, such as no walking, cheaper prices, freedom of choice, etc. that we use it to interface with the real world. Big online sellers like eBay, Amazon, etc. follows the same ideas. Before online shopping was a big hit, everyone was still going to book stores, or going to malls to shop for there goods. We must also realize the fact that digital imaging has made it more convenient for us. For instance, if we had to just pick a postcard without being able to see what it looks like or say upload our own, we wouldn't be using this new site. If we decide to buy a product online, without being able to see, or knowing its quality, who would buy it. Linking to the virtual network and then back into the real network requires intermediates like these for it to succeed.

That's a great way to keep in contact with others. Another instance of using social networks at one's advantage is talked about in this article : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/jobs/31recruit.html . A man, after being laid off, created profiles on LinkedIN and Facebook. He later received a "jobvite" for a job and scheduled and interview and was later offered the job. His friend had flagged him as a possible match to a job listing. This is a good example of using social networks to simplify day to day processes. If everyone used social networks to find jobs, do you think that it would produce the best match? (The most qualified worker for a specific job?)