SocialGo

http://www.socialgo.com/

is a tool that allows you to set up a social network of your own. there are different levels of subsription but the free version still allows you to set network settings, login details, membership, and edit a few pages.

i have set up my own one here:

http://safewayhome.socialgo.com/ with an idea that i came up with from a previous project. this new website would increase interactivity and you can see who else has subsribed/is online so it creates a sense of community and a sense of 'presence'.

if anyone wants to set up a login on my website, the password is "bacid", but you can view my site without subscribing. you can restrict pages based on membership levels, which is quite interesting as it creates a sense of 'them' and 'us'.

you can also create your own site easily by following this link: http://safewayhome.socialgo.com/sign_up.html The site took me under 15 minutes to set up so it's very quick and easy

Creates your own site could take blogging to a new level, and its a great tool for self-promotion and expression. the whole interactivity and different tools of communication (messaging, sharing photos) could make it more stimulating for members.