Now, the same type of criticism Google received is being shoveled upon startups in the social media space. How can any company make money with a social graph? Is advertising really the answer? But perhaps the more pertinent question is this: who will be the innovator that leads the way in monetizing social media? Google was a trendsetter that sparked an advertising revolution. Will there be another trendsetter like Google? Let's look at some of the top candidates:
Without the ability to generate larger revenues from its on-site advertising and its virtual gifts, Facebook may be turning to options such as a virtual currency, which could either be groundbreaking or simply fizzle like the company's previous advertising attempt: Facebook Beacon.
Whichever direction Twitter takes, people will be watching. If Twitter can succeed with premium accounts or another business model, social media services across the world will follow their lead.
Apple
Will that innovation lead to more social media companies turning to mobile devices for monetization, a place where people seem more comfortable paying for software?
Monetizing Social Media
So will Twitter, Apple, Facebook, or another company find a way to monetize social media effectively? We want to know your thoughts: who will be the leader in monetizing social media?
Who Will Be the Leader in Monetizing Social Media?
( online polls)