VentureBlog talks up Social Networks 3.0. The key point is that people are now figuring out that social networks in and of themselves are not that useful or entertaining, but they are very valuable when they help us perform other useful activities.
Social networks inform the conversations that take place among friends on LiveJournal. Social networks enable the discovery of new music on MySpace. Social networks enhance the multi-player gaming experience at Xfire. Social networks now empower recruiting on LinkedIn. And dozens of new social networks are emerging to enable specific, valuable consumer experiences that are enhanced by the underpinnings of the network.
Exactly. There is a ton of opportunity in bringing the strengths of social networking into other areas. For example, how about a social networking application that allows you to find a good doctor, dentist, or place to get your haircut?
Every time someone I know moves into a new city, these are common questions they need to answer. Who do they ask? Their co-workers and friends, the pillars of a social network.