Hey,
I saw a site recently that has a system that I think more sites that allow users to submit picturs should adopt. the site itself was something that not many people would gladly affiliate with, but out of boredom I browsed, and I quickly noticed the system they called "Saluting" as a way to verify identity. when they add pictures of themselves (as most popular sites allow, such as Myspace and Xanga) they take one with a sign stating their username and the website which they are at (I don't remember the name of the website at the moment, sorry) to verify that the person in the picture is who they say it is. as most people don't take pictures of themselves holding up sheets of blank paper, altering/faking a photo like this is Very Difficult, if not Impossible, and in my oppinion a somewhat sound way of verifying the identity of the person to whom you are talking. having systems similar to this implemented in other sites would, in my oppinion, Increase the rate of web security by making it more odvious who is more than likely using photos of someone other than themself.
Thanks for Listening In,
A Teen

Well... if all you're looking for is "social" and I'm sure there are a myriad of social networks out there, by sheer volume alone it will be tough to compete with MS. Of course, who needs 90 million friends?

My own thought is that we might try and convince kids that "social networking" isn't the only thing they can be spending time on when it comes to meeting people online. My recommendation would be to spotlight Takingitglobal and Nabuur. These two sites would give kids a chance to meet others all around the world. It would also give them a chance to do something *socially responsible* rather than just looking for where the raves are this weekend.

So... what's in it for the kids? Well... I'd argue that doing something with an eye towards a global conscience is rewarding individually. But in this little capitalistic "me first" nation of ours, I'd argue that the kids could take whatever involvement they have at those two sites and turn them into projects they could and should receive credit for at school. Indeed, I'd be willing to help them do that if they were so inclined.

Regards,

Jeff Cooper
Education Technology Support Consultant

and interesting to young poeple?