There's no recession in social networks. In the last year, Twitter grew 343%, LinkedIn 193%, and Facebook 116% according to Nielsen. MySpace's growth has stalled at 1%.

It's worth pointing out that pure growth in registration numbers is not the only metrics that matters. Data on user activities such as page views, time spent on site, visit frequency, as well as member interactions and purchases are all important when you evaluate the value of these networks.

Engaging users over time has proven to be tricky. Yeah, you can build it and you might even be able to get people to register. But can you make them stick around? Many can't make it work and that's been an expensive lesson for many brands and marketers.

It's a challenge one of our teams are taking head on. Ryan Nash, Sara Apelkvist, Michael Jung, and Clayton Kjos are developing a new niche social networking site due to launch in January.

We can't wait to share our design experience with you when the BETA site becomes available in late January. Can we make you stick around?

You think about the future? Can you see it?

• The tablets are here. iPad is just the beginning.
• My 18 month old son is using a touch screen every day.
• Social networks are not going away. They will grow.
• It's true: The Semantic Web will change everything.
• The Cloud is real and powerful. Where is your data?
• Think your industry is different from music and publishing?
• Are you really thinking for a living? I hope so.
• Do you like to do what you did yesterday? You will loose.
• Don't like the 30 second spot? You can make it go away.
• I will choose my advertisements. I pull the information I want.
• Change is not optional. Commuting is. Ask for change. Today.