Kicking MySpace to the Curb With Virb.com

With all the growing (and completely legitimate) criticism with MySpace, it's no wonder why another social network hasn't come into the mix.

I'm not talking about just "YASNS" (Yet Another Social Networking Service), I'm talking about one who's features truly surpass anything MySpace has dreamed of.

Take a look at the latest significant "improvements" MySpace has added in the past year alone: raising the limit of photos. Really, that's about the only single thing I could think of. Most of the site remains unchanged, buggy, unstable and untrustworthy.

Now let's take a look at startup social network Virb.com. Like MySpace, you can add photos, add your bio, answer questions related to music, TV and movie tastes, interests, books, etc. Like MySpace, it has band profiles, music, playlists and players. It also has communities and hosted videos.

That's about all it has that's similar to MySpace. Here's where Virb stands proud:

• AJAX-Empowered Interface
  Reducing the amount of pageviews to accomplish a simple task (unlike MySpace's 3-5 pageviews to send a simple message


• User-Centric Experience
  Don't like the way Virb looks by default? Change it up, your settings stay with you, and you always have a backdoor to clear them. Want to enjoy a video? Turn the lights out by dimming everything but the video with the click of the mouse. Speaking of video, the encoding is crisp and clear, and widescreen videos are fully supported! Want to add a playlist to your page with more than one song? Sure, Virb does that too!


• Options, Options, Options
  Want to add your Flickr photostream to your profile? Done, just authorize Virb and you're all set. Want to hook up your RSS feed so your blog posts from your personal site or external blog are syndicated on your Virb account for your friends to see? Sure, it's coming soon. Have a section on your profile you wish Virb had but didn't? Add it, it's as simple as clicking a button. No longer will you have to hide code in an "About me" or "Who I'd like to meet" window.


• Optimized Framework
  Face it, MySpace is like that 92 Honda Civic hatchback with the erector set-esque spoiler and aftermarket everything. Virb's code is clean, standards-based and just plain works. Not to mention, it looks hot as hell.


• Your Profile, Your Space
  Unlike MySpace, you actually do have full access to your own CSS file with Virb. Shock! They actually want you to use it, too. Awe. Most importantly, the Virb creator doesn't assume you want to be friends with them.


• User-Focused, Ever Responding
  It's clear that the Virb team is dedicated on enhancing the product as much as possible. Visiting the "Virb is" page shows you what's in the pipeline and everything that was recently added.


• "Who/What Got My Password Now???"
  Doesn't look like this will be a common scene on Virb, since JavaScript and Embed tags are refused on the spot. Good.

The web audience has spoken, and usability is clearly a feature we all crave. MySpace hasn't delivered, and like a fad, it's light is starting to flicker and fade. It's time to get your friends on Virb.

Add me as a friend and see what Virb can do: virb.com/fullman