Social (virtual) networks

Orkut has started a new social network and it's by invitation only. The response has been both positive and negative -- positive in that a lot of people have signed up and negative in that a lot of people have felt it is elitist or biased or in some other way not really a fully open network.

The statistics on the ramp in traffic at Orkut versus existing social networks (Friendster, LinkedIn and Tribe) are shown here.

The web as a social institution and its influence on social patterns is only starting to emerge.

UPDATE: Here is an article in Wired on social nets and how they are not all making friends. And here is an analysis of the "many to many" networking scheme -- it's strengths and weaknesses and where Orkut may be vulnerable.

UPDATE: Orkut = roach motel? You can check in but you can't check out. Here is another take on this social web.