Integrating a unique social network into your site

I know that many webmasters here have integrated blogs into their sites and also, some have integrated forums. Now there is also the possibility to integrate a custom-built (by you) social network into your site.

You can incorporate it into your pre-existing side by using a subdomain - i.e. xww.network.mygreatsite.com

Has anyone considered doing this?

I would like to know if anyone has views or plans on integrating social networks into gambling portals. To me it looks like a great addition to a site if you have a specialist niche that your visitors would like to take part in discussing, posting videos, blogging, and all that other social stuff.

It would certainly be a way to create lots of extra searchable content

Any thoughts?

So far I have considered using ning and socialgo to create my own social network.

Ning are well known, but of the two I prefer socialgo - even though they are in beta mode, they seem determined to give network owners more power over their networks and more in the way of free tools and ability to monetise the site. Ning seem to be annoying quite a few members and their leading widget-maker has moved over to socialgo. However, not having tried and tested the two I really have no idea which would be best to use.

The other thing about socialgo that appeals is that they are British, so no concerns over US gambling laws, I guess. [sounding like a commercial for them now...]

If anyone knows other, (better?) social network creation sites, maybe post them on this thread, as I'm sure there are many more out there

Cheers

Slightly off topic from the point of the thread to highlight the possibility of adding social networks to portals, but I need to say that I have just been buying shares in the socialgo owners, Bright Things plc, listed on the UK AIM Market

Just think it's important that I let people know that I am now a shareholder in the company, given that I am saying how good I think their product is!

In this case, my investment is based on nothing more cerebral that the fact they are valued at £2m, whereas ning has a valuation of £300m (and I prefer socialgo as a product) and the directors at socialgo have just bought shares. Not exactly due diligence, just an absolute punt during the worst stock market crash in the last 70 years. I must be completely crazy (or a genius?) to be buying shares in these markets!


Cheers

Every once in a while I'll try to get some players from social networking sites. So far in my niche I haven't been able to make it worth my time compared to other ways I can invest my time.

Maybe having a social networking site would help make your site more "sticky", and have them want to come back often.

Please keep us up to date on how it's going. I'm interested to see how it works for you. Also, if you do get it going send me a PM I'll register to be a member.

Cheers!

Well after I read all of your post I just created a group at xxxhttp://www.propeller.com/groups/casinos-cafe/
anyone here can register as member let's try it out you'll never know.

Socialgo is a very cool social network maker, I'm going to try it on a real website.
My doubt is: creating a social network related to gambling is a waste of time?

What about just an auto updating blog? I have seen some with articles grabbed from article directories that really have low alexa rankings. Then just place links to your sites?

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Originally Posted by wallstreeterww

What about just an auto updating blog? I have seen some with articles grabbed from article directories that really have low alexa rankings. Then just place links to your sites?

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Waste of resources? Google frown on such practice, your blog should contain at least 50% original or better 100%.

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Originally Posted by casino2k.com

My doubt is: creating a social network related to gambling is a waste of time?

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You need time for that basically to fight with spam, overall it can be good portal...many people use pligg for that

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My doubt is: creating a social network related to gambling is a waste of time?

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Certainly share the same view. Facebook is designed for social networking not advertising and sales. At least that was the intent. Once a member, always a member with Facebook. If your experience goes astray try finding the keys to get out.

Stomping ground for the unsavory types IMO. Eventually, if experience has taught me anything, sooner or later one maybe become the victim rather a salesman.

Just a thought

pgaming

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Originally Posted by Tony

Well after I read all of your post I just created a group at xxxhttp://www.propeller.com/groups/casinos-cafe/
anyone here can register as member let's try it out you'll never know.

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I see no one joined you yet. I did a ning site at xxxhttp://sharelink.ning.com/ and just use it for posts.

Feel free not to join this one either people.
8-):evillaug:

Having your own social networking sites is a very good idea, less effort in gathering people to share valuable information but like what stated above the number one problem with it are the spammers.

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Originally Posted by megan isla

Having your own social networking sites is a very good idea, less effort in gathering people to share valuable information but like what stated above the number one problem with it are the spammers.

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But am I the only to think that there is soo many different social networking sites already out there? I love checking out the different posts on the forums (an invaluable way to gather people in the right industry already) and then facebook, and twitter, and linkedin etc...

Doesn't anyone else think thats its possible to overkill social networking?

I added a forum, will see how it goes. Any ideas as to content?

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Originally Posted by TreasureChest

I added a forum, will see how it goes. Any ideas as to content?

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I pay a forum posting service to take care of getting a new forum off the ground. Also with regards to using Ning, it's better to develop something in-house or have someone develop it for you - for the main reason that Ning and most of the others mentioned above will not let you advertise without you having to pay a fee.

Also - why are you all thinking about a gambling related niche when talking about social networks. Think out of the box! Just my 2c. 8-)

Good luck!

This is a very cool social network maker, Iwill try it on my website. But please tell me is it profitable to integrate on a gambling website?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by videopokes

I pay a forum posting service to take care of getting a new forum off the ground.

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which posting service is good, how long did you need them before the forum was self sufficient and what does it cost for such a service... was it worth it?