Social platforms

[clayzug]

Hey, I am looking to get into a discussion about the strengths, weaknesses and differences in building social features into products (twitter vs facebook vs google). I buy into the importance of building products from the ground up with social dynamics at their core. It’s obvious to me that nearly every useful product ever made will be remade in a way that has a simple ux making the app both a utility and toy for sharing (easy access to move that data around if the user so chooses). It may just be me but I see building with these platforms as a Huge risk and a Huge necessity. Lots to discuss. Anyone want to dive in first?

[dave1619]

I think leveraging existing social platforms is fine and you're realistic. Ultimately you need to be building something of your own if it's going to be a sustainable/scalable business. But make use of the existing social platforms to get things off the ground or to enhance virility of your app/product.

[clayzug]

but that is just it... if we are building apps that people love I really don’t care about viralilty or getting it off the ground as much. Our apps are engaging and viral because they are useful/simple/beautiful. I guess I am talking about building something for the long term.

More specifically, I am not that confident in using facebook connect. Any experience with fb integration? thoughts on user experiences? things you didn't expect?

[jamesladd]

Are you solving a very real problem and does the 'Social Platform' help do that? If not then don't bother with the Social Platform, in fact don't bother with the product at all. Solving a real problem is what matters. IMHO.

[clayzug]

absolutely, building an app that solves a problem is the only way to go. It is very important to face that thought and I am with you. But what I am talking more about how to approach adding the social features in an app. I'd love to get your take on how you think about integrating fb, twitter, google...

Highlight went all in with Facebook. Asana is betting on Google. Instagram and Path made a full network of their own. These apps will be tied with their integration choices most likely for the rest of their existence. It's a big deal.