Why MySpace is More Harmful to Authors Than Good

[C.F. Jackson]

MySpace.com has taken social networking by storm. Of those who are on the internet, statistics reports approximately 64% of the internet population visits MySpace.

Without a doubt MySpace.com is the granddaddy of social networking, also known as Web2.0. Even with rivals such as a Facebook.com close behind, it’s MySpace that everyone is quick to ask, “Are you on MySpace?”

MySpace has become the home for many authors and writers. Per Comscore, MySpace is attracting approximately 115 million visitors per month. In essence, it can become overwhelming to exude ones uniqueness at times.

Many authors and writers, as well as the entrepreneur refuse to see this social network for what it is; which leads many into failing to leverage this into greater results.

Let’s take it by play!

New fiction author creates a MySpace account within a community of millions. These are authors, writers, artists, students, producers, teachers, career professionals, speakers, entrepreneurs, network marketers or singles wanting to date.

Now what does this sound like? Happy hour, how about a night club?

Once stepping into a cornucopia the author sets out to make himself or herself known within a segment of the MySpace world. How? Creating a profile to express and share who they are. Whatever content, videos, or images selected for their profile it becomes more. It’s no longer just a profile it’s a quote unquote “website”.

The author builds a strong friend base and rapport on MySpace. Yet, there are others in the two million plus populated social network community fighting for attention through bulletin posts, blog posts, events or comments.

How can the author move their strong friend base to a more controlled environment?

Invite them to a place of business.

MySpace is an extraordinary community to meet, network, and communicate, however, the author must begin branding himself or herself. Right now, the MySpace brand is known worldwide. How about the author?

The question is how to begin?

As an author and a writer, the first step is to create a presence on the internet through taking ownership of internet real estate by:

- Owning a domain name / URL.
- Creating a website (Business Office)

Second is to take this new power and:

- Market your website through the strong friend base
- Take the networking from MySpace to your space
- Generate a following outside of MySpace

Third is to build a brand:

- Your website is the leading site to send prospective customers
- In all content, online, and offline include your domain name

Major segments of the business world use MySpace.com because of its ability to create a community online in one central location, which mirrors society. These corporations and businesses are bringing their brand onto MySpace for the soul purpose to craft awareness of their product or service.

Uniquely, companies have come to MysSpace.com to mingle, network, and market, with the expectation they’ll generate new traffic to their website. And it’s this model the author and writer must create for himself or herself.

Many authors and writers feel fearful of the internet. With so much taking place on the worldwide web, they lack knowledge and resources.

As many authors continue to take control of their literary career it’s time for many to leverage what they’ve created on the granddaddy of social network, MySpace.com, to take their ultimate goals and dreams to another level.

Author and website makeover trainer, C.F. Jackson recognized the missing piece for many authors and writers and launched Website Makeover Workshop. This is a place where authors and writers can come to learn more, to better position themselves on the internet.

At www.WebsiteMakeoverWorkshop.com there are workshops (group and individual), resources, and a tutorial program. All are geared to meet the time restraints life has on any author or writer. They’re assisting authors to leverage their presence on MySpace.com to create greater success on their own space.

[Diane]

Excellent advice - MySpace IS NOT A WEB SITE! It is about networking. Writers must create their own brand with their website and unique domain name.

[Shon Bacon ~ ChickLitGurrl]

This is a great article!

[LaShanda Henry]

great post
-lhenry - www.workandwebwomen.com

[C.F. Jackson]

Thank you for taking the time
to read the article "Why
MySpace is More Harmful to
Authors Than Good" and many
more for sharing your feedback
on the content...

Comment | Copy This

Continue to make it happen!

Won't Be Denied,
C.F. Jackson

http://www.WebsiteMakeoverWorkshop.com

[Relentless Aaron]

Uhm... I guess the comment "Why MySpace is More Harmful to Authors Than Good" works for some and not for all. Although I agree that one must brand him or herself, I'd have to disagree the "harmful" comment, at least where it relates to me. I have made great money and I've earned solid/resourceful connections from my presence on MYSPACE; directly and indirectly. But, I use the large portal to merely enhance my web presence. Google "Relentless Aaron" and you will see I am relevant in many ways to the urban lit/entertainment industry. And MYSPACE contributes to many of those Google links. So, maybe "harmful" is too strong of a word, and at least it got me to respond to the post.
Now, I will say that much of the post is on point, and should be printed somewhere and posted in many more places so that some of us can adopt some of the jewels you've dropped. Time to DIGG THIS!
However, to that I'll add that I personally subscribe to about 2 dozen social communities, as well as I maintain 1 to 4 dozen pages/presences on each of those communities (especially MySpace), with the email/comments forwarded to one lone email address. These social communes include Twitter, Facebook, Utterz, Youtube, Ning, Flikker, Mogulus, blogger, Yahoo, Digg, etc. I find our need to be present in these communities is akin to your membership at your local church, block association, Mason Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, and PTA. All of these memberships is important and relevant in the bigger picture; which is your branding/marketing agenda.
What should also be mentioned, while we're on the subject of branding, is he selection of an email address, web address and other web addys. can we PULEEEZE pick names and addresses that are short, and which DO NOT get long-winded with underscores and hyphens, etc? How about this: if you can't tell me your web address or email address without having to spell it all out over the course of one whole minute? I suggest you take a class in branding. Really.
We have to become more and more savvy as time goes on, and stop giving me your email when I ask your website! And, like the lady says, stop giving me a MySpace address and calling it your website! It's PERFECTLY OKAY to have a MySpace page as your only means of web exposure, if that's all you can afford. But, if you can afford time, and you have the smarts enough to build a MySpace page, then you also have what it takes to build out into a larger circle, and into more social spaces that will serve to brand you without the necessary funding. Until you have the money, crawl. Crawl like I have, and like so many others have, until you get enough capital to maintain a traditional website. But trust and believe, the big ole expensive traditional website is becoming more and more obsolete with each passing day; especially if it's not "sticky" and if people don't have a reason to return time after time. With these social spaces, people have a reason to return, however superficial their purpose. But. lets face it; to have them return, and to have them invest more eyeball-hours/minutes to your brand is the whole point, isn't it. Think about "impressions," continue to do what you do, but also continue to improve no it. It will all come full circle soon.
Word

[MG Hardie]

Good post. I also find Myspace only a small piece to a much larger puzzle. I am looking for a site that allows access to all of the network sites from your main page.

[C.F. Jackson]

Hey MG Hardie!

You asked and here are two resources
for you, that allows you to build your very
own home page with any content you
frequent on the daily...

>>> http://www.Alefo.com
>>> http://www.PageOnce.com

I liked Alefo. Check them each out
for yourself and let me know what
you like about them.

Continue to make it happen!

Won't Be Denied,
C.F. Jackson

[C.F. Jackson]

Hi Relentless Aaron,

Thanks for taking a minute to read the
article and even more for taking time to
share a word or 1,000 about it. ;o)

As you know Aaron everyone isn't at the
same level when it comes to seeing what
they have as a business. Many authors often
times exclude the entrepreneurial aspect
of their journey.

The purpose of the article is to engage my
fellow authors and writers to step outside the
box to see what we have created is greater
than a book, a story, a poem or an art piece...

It's a legacy that deserves to cultivated and
nurtured fully. Don't tuck away the gift in someone
else's house. It's time to build our own so that
we can always return home.

Own yourself some internet real estate today!

Stop leasing and renting at solely on MySpace
and invest in your own. Stop by MySpace and
even hangout, then take it back to your where
you're taking it up a level.

Aaron, thanks again for reading and without a
doubt as you often do, letting your voice be heard.

Continue to make this your day!

Peace & Gratitude,
C.F. Jackson

[Queen NaTasha "B"]

Great advice and insight!

[TL James]

Great article. I found that MySpace is great to connect with other authors and bookclubs but it is not good as a primary website.

-tl james

[C.F. Jackson]

Queen NaTasha "B" & TL James,

Thank you for taking a moment from your
day to share your feedback on the article.

You're on your mark and the purpose is
to touch someone who just needed some
enlightening.

I hope you found value in its content. Feel
free to share it with your fellow authors and
writers, it would be truly appreciated.

Making it happen in 2008!

Won't Be Denied,
C.F. Jackson

[TL James]

Thank you for the great article. It was very valuable. I sent your article to several of my fellow author mates.

Please keep valuable content flowing.

-tl james
www.mpireonline.com