MySpace Vs. Facebook

I'll admit, i'm a social networking junkie. I am fascinated with this phenom--which is literally changing the way people relate and communicate.

There are pros and cons to Myspace and Facebook--however there are some issues I'd like to address--mainly concerning My Space.

Issue #1- Gangsta' Pictures??

Is there a law saying that one MUST purse their lips, make a peace sign and take a self photo for a Myspace profile????? Seriously. I am not even kidding, i'd say 98% of those pictures featured look like this: (pictures courtesy of Les, and Melissa. And Zach. And Mike, I guess. He didn't really get it!!!) See below.

I am almost convinced that in the "rules of myspace" agreement one acknowledges when signing up states that the above photo's are THE standard. These are not exaggerations. They are real examples of Myspace photography.

Conversely, this is what a Facebook picture would look like:

(Normal, taken by another person, and no sign language required.)

Issue #2: Glitter graphics

It is bad enough that Myspace allows anyone to upload their own HTML so that pages can feature money signs, Mercedes cars or ice cream cones surrounded by puppies as their page backgrounds. But Myspace takes it ONE step further. Glittler graphics. If you have EVER been on a Myspace, you know that there are those who go a little nuts posting the words "baby girl" "daddy's girl" or "brat" glittered and flashing all around the pages, in a slightly sporadic pattern. Not all people indulge in the glitter graphics, but those that do make up for the rest of the known free world.

Issue #3: Unnecessary songs blaring while browsing

If you don't realize your sound is not on mute, then browsing Myspace can be a HIGHLY dangerous activity. Gettin' Jiggy With It can attack your nervous system without warning if you aren't careful! And what's worse, if you navigate to another page and return to the home page, the song begins AGAIN and AGAIN.

Facebook is not an innocent lamb, no sir-ee. They have recently allowed the addition of applications to their site. In my opinion, they becoming the up and coming Myspace. Don't get me wrong, I recently added an application or two myself, but no-actually, I don't want to "Become a Zombie", as one FB application asks. I really don't.

There are benefits to Myspace, of course. It gives each person free expression--thus the name My Space. It is a NICE way to keep in touch with others. And there are some really nice looking pages (like my friend Mary's, for instance).

I'm just sayin', is all...

:)