Announcements from Bill Tancer at Hitwise about MySpace being the number 1 websites in North America we’re highly discussed yesterday. Yahoo suggests that the numbers are inaccurate but that’s ok. Even if MySpace is in slot 2, or even 3 it’s a sign. The graph on right from Bill’s site indicates MySpace overtakes Google.

What is MySpace?
An online community. It’s a social networking websites where individuals can setup their own webpages (hence the name) it’s part blog, may have video, audio, and custom designs. It also has links to one’s friends (network) and encourages rapid expansion of networks. Who is it for? Younger folks, nearly every music artist, celebs, many TV shows, I even know a colleague at my work that’s closer to my Dad’s age who uses it to network with his fellow martial artists –Rock on John!

Why is this significant?
-Humans want to connect, network and link to each other
-The Web is providing these tools that enable these basic desires to occur
-The web is bi-directional now, and anyone can participate and communicate online.

I’ve seen stats that show that over 40% of internet users participate online, from leaving comments, replying on forums, or other methods. Web is not passive, it’s an activity. Also, did you know the web is the number one medium in the workforce and the second at home?

Is your corporate website bi-directional? Is your web strategy harnessing existing networks and social sites? If not why?

Edit: Found some stats on MySpace usage and demographics