Boston to get own social networking website - The Boston Globe

http://gdw1blog.blogspot.com/2008/10/boston-to-get-own-social-networking.html

In response to Greg's blog and the Boston.com article -

I'm really struggling with the idea of another social networking site, especially since Menino endorses it and is chairman of the board. Will it really be a useful tool or is this just Menino setting himself up on a board as a part of his retirement plan? I was impressed he was able to get some high profile business leaders on the staff which should help, but could this be a million dollar goof like Greg alluded to? Notables on the board include the CEO of Boston Properties, Chairman/CEO of State Street, President/CEO of BNY Asset Management, as well as executives from Gillette (P&G) and Fidelity. There are also some high profile education leaders, such as the Presidents of BU and Northeastern and the Dean from Harvard Business School. Notably absent is any representation from The Boston College. Not surprising though as Boston hates that elite school out in Chestnut Hill.

How will this be useful? Don't we already have enough social network sites? How will people connect on this website? I would assume through a larger Boston network (done on Facebook), through schools (done on Facebook/LinkedIn), and through clubs and groups (done on Facebook/LinkedIn). I just feel like this is a gigantic waste of money. All of this can be done through what is out there. Perhaps they could have just created a group called Menino's Mob on Facebook. I am a bit frustrated because I feel that social networking is getting a little crazy. I understand its usefulness for connecting when needed but do I really need to know that Joe is "nervous about tonight's game" or Jen is "giving her daughter a bath." I think I just needed to vent a little bit especially after being at the BC game on Saturday and finding out that my friend's mom was on Facebook (and her daughter suggest that she friend me). Of course on Sunday I was on the site and Facebook suggested I might know my friend's mom. Wait, maybe this new site is the answer. This can be for all of the parents in the Boston area so they can play/network and stay out of their children's way. Good Luck Menino.