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Social Networking Sites

Social networking has obviously grown tremendously over the past few years.  It is sure to evolve in many ways.  Right now, it's still mostly limited to the internet, but there are more and more mobile applications being developed, and the way you'll keep in contact with your fans will only be limited by the collective imagination of the world.  This is one of the key components in the growth of independent music.  They want to know you now, and that's why my top site is Facebook (click here for my profile), for the foreseeable future (at least 6 months).

Bebo

Facebook:   Somehow, it's still growing.  People still check it multiple times per day, access it from their mobile devices, make plans using it, play games with their friends, and much more.  It's getting more and more attention from the media, and I believe it even played a pretty big role in the election.  I'd be surprised if you're not already on it.  If you haven't joined yet, I think it's the first thing you should do when trying to build a fanbase, at least to start.  It's not the most important though...

iMeem

Myspace:  If Myspace taught musicians anything, it's that having a website is still the most important aspect to gaining a national following.  It's not necessary (though it's still very helpful) for local bands that never want to leave their home market, but it's very important for just about everyone else.  Myspace was a tremendous step in the evolution of independent music, and I met some incredible fans and friends through it.  If I were starting over now, though, I wouldn't sign up for Myspace.  Underground Music Monthly doesn't really have a myspace presence, and won't, especially since there's wording in their sign up form now that says they can charge up to $50 per message you send promoting your business.

Ning: I don't know what will happen with Ning.  It seems to be the catch all for everything else in terms of social networking.  You can create your own social networking site using Ning.   

Twitter: Twitter's the quick version of social networking that is based primarily around status updates.  Follow Underground Music Monthly on Twitter by clicking the link above

Virb: Virb is technically social networking.  Because of it's lack of popularity, I see it as more of a second website.  It's really easy to upload your songs, and make a quick impact with your fans.  It may grow in popularity, and I hope it does.  From a presentation standpoint, I love it.  It's purely art (music, fashion, photography, videos), and doesn't put an ad in your face every 5 seconds.