Facebook and MySpace, though extremely popular aren’t the only Social Network sites of their kind out there.  In fact, there are thousands (or more!)  Yes, many of them do have major financial backing, while others are created by people just like you and me, by utilizing free and affordable applications that allow us to create our very own social networks.

There are two different types of application available.  The first is the “hosted” application, which means that the site is hosted on the company’s servers and not your own.  Thyese services usually offer a free basic account, with upgrades available at additional costs (ie: to remove the company`s advertising).  Examples of this type of service are:

• Ning is among the most popular of these social network builders.  Originally launched in 2005, Ning currently has over over 1.3 million Ning social networks created and more than 30 million registered members.  They have a very easy to use administration interface that allows you to control the entire look and feel of your new social network, and upgrades are also available allowing you to add your own Google Adsense codes and other goodies.

• SocialGo is another social network builder that has a full line of both free and add-on features including support for your own domain, the ability to fully customize your layout, charge subscription fee’s for members, audio, video and text chat , plus much more.  Just in case you’re not up for doing all the work yourself, you can even hire SocialGo to create your social network for you:

The second type of application is software (script) that you install on your own server which will require you to have both your own domain name and website hosting.  When purchasing or downloading any type of script or software that you`ll be installing on your own server, ensure that the developers are active – have there been recent updates, do they have a support system (usually in the form of community forums).  Examples of this type of service are:

• PHPFox is one of the more popular social networking scripts around, however it come`s with a price tag of either $300.00 for a full license or you can opt to pay a monthly fee of $39.95.  In order to remove the PHPFox branding, it will cost an additional $75.00 and the list of additional charges goes on from there.

• Elgg is an open source social engine (free!).  One look at all the features that Elgg offers and you can tell that this software has it all, including an active community with plugin and theme development.  (*Note* Elgg will soon be coming out with a hosted version of their software as well as the downloadable script.) Interestingly enough, Biz Stone who is the co-founder of Twitter is an Elgg Advisor.  This software would definitely be my first choice to check out!

These are only a small sampling of services and software that are available.  Do your research and try them out for yourself!   As with all scripts hosted on your own server, it is up to you (and not your hosting provider) to ensure a safe environment.  You are required to ensure that scripts are up-to-date and don`t cause server problems, or even allow hackers to gain entry.

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