| As negative as people are on Quora (oh lookz bubblez!) - I honestly think that they are onto something (as is Google+). They are both interest based social networks - rather than geographically constrained ones (i.e. Facebook and people you know IRL). Think of all those disparate niche forums we all frequent around the web lumped into one easily usable, easily searchable, real-time and real-name network - that's what Quora/Google+ are becoming. Quora/Google+ are essentially specialist forums reimagined - topical discussions based along interest lines with real-time feedback by people you can actually see (instead of geographical/friendship ones and pseudonyms on forums). I go to Facebook (rarely) to catch up with people I know IRL - but with whom I don't really share that much in common (apart form going to school/living nearby). Indeed, outside of Facebook's instant messaging utility - I really have very little use for it (yes I understand that "normal" people differ). I go to Quora/Google+/specialist forums/HN to discuss things I'm interested in with people who are like me. They do have something here - and the fact that they have such a strong hold on so many smart people (see how prolific some are) illustrates this fact. I think reports of Quora's death are greatly exaggerated (especially with their war chest). For more, see here on (you guessed it!) Quora: http://www.quora.com/Hypothetical-Questions/Imagine-its-Janu... |