If they build it (right), I will use it (and likely pay for it).

There are all kinds of commercial opportunities in this as well. Let’s say you wish to create a community around your brand, services and products. There’s no reason you cannot apply the logic above (i.e., caring for the user’s needs, offering choice and user friendliness, delivering apps that have a positive/useful outcome) and also make money.

For the business people…

None of what I’m saying precedes profit. There is no reason why enterprise should be divorced from a socially meaningful mission and purpose – especially in the case of brands that cater to a more traditional, values-oriented demographic (which is increasing with the boomer generation). That’s just good business.

I really appreciate what you’re saying. And I do see where you’re coming from via the balance of critique with applause – when appropriate. As you can see from my enthusiasm for web2.0 I’m a big fan of innovation and exploration. That said, I think it’s important to pause for critical thought before embracing and endorsing – I’m not seeing nearly enough of that (questioning). Nor am I seeing the right sorts of questions getting asked (enough). Your post and question inspired ME because I felt you were asking the right questions. I only wish more people would.

My criticism of FB is based on questions around the efficacy of their models. I do not believe that new technologies merely passively reflect the truth of their creators but produce new and original systems and behaviours that nobody had anticipated (or bothered to think about.

So lets take these tools and try to reconfigure their use – with a thoughtful and mindful eye on the right outcomes. Those outcomes can include plenty of profit, too. There’s a lot of money to be made by those who choose to deliver something that users really want and need. I’d pay for it (as long as I got a good free beta’s worth out of it first!).