MySpace Proposes to iLike

Prior to launching my own Internet marketing company, I worked for an ERP software developer for almost a decade. I loved the company and the people, but was amazed at the industry. I watched in disbelief as Y2K came and went, and countless ERP software vendors evaporated through my ten year stint. As I transferred myself fulltime into search engine optimization, social media, and web design, I thought this would change. I thought these acquisition crazy companies were just ERP software companies. Silly girl.

This last week brought yet another acquisition announcement in the land of social media. The MySpace folks announced their intent to couple up with iLike. No one has to wonder about who will be wearing the pants in this relationship. Am I surprised? Not really. MySpace had to do something. Facebook just announced an acquisition and MySpace has to keep up. But can MySpace really keep up with Facebook and Twitter? Or the business-focused social media giant LinkedIn? My personal belief is no. Facebook is light years ahead of MySpace and MySpace’s attempt at cutting edge social networking will still leave them at the back of the pack.

The good news for MySpace and the other social networking websites is that many of us Internet junkies are, in fact, addicted to social networking and everything fun and hooky these social media websites can deliver. While I personally do not play Mafia Wars or send out birthday requests, I start my day with Facebook and Twitter. MySpace – not so much. But others do and there are plenty of us out there to keep the four big boys churning and bringing in revenue. Which does make me happy, because if I didn’t have my morning Facebook, what would I do while I drank my coffee?