TimesPeople

Every site in the universe needs a social network with chat, friend functions, voting options, etc etc etc!

Not true, and while I'm sure you realize that... I think that many companies still don't. Social networking isn't right for every brand, and even when it is, it might be that only certain pieces make strategic sense.

I know I'm not saying anything new here, but the reason I've set this all up is that BoingBoing posted an interesting bit about TimesPeople. The New York Times has constructed a social network that fits their brand: a toolbar built around the core of sharing news articles and adding social value to the content they're already providing.

Smart smart smart. Trim the fat and keep what adds value to your brand.