Sunday, May 29, 2011

Goodbye, Friendster

Friendster may have been one of the greatest laughingstock in the cyberworld nowadays, with people throwing funny jokes about it. You are jologs if you still patronize it and you are linked to Friendster's fan world when you act as jejemon in Facebook and Twitter. But let's admit it. Friendster ignited our social networking life. Long before these two social networking kings garnered unparalled popularity, it was Friendster who taught us how to brand ouorselves in the internet. I commend Friendster for that.

Now, as it about to officially concede to the battle it has with its original niche, I felt a pang of sadness looking into my old photos, testimonials, blogs, and even shout outs. Ah memories! I can't help but smile while I go through the long abandoned site. I vividly remember how each one would ask others to give them testimonials, how my heart skipped when I saw a monster amount of my profile's page views, how I pour my hearts out through my Friendster blogs. And the list goes on and on. Friendster was unique on its own.

Before my turn to bid goodbye to my long beloved Friendster, I want to share with you some of the thoughts I learned through its fate. Common thoughts which were solidified by Friendster's experience.

...Friendster taught me that there is really no constant thing in the world. Competition is everywhere and you need to keep up if not surpass yourself and your competitor - that is if you want to keep in your shoes that number one spot. Being complacent is next to losing. 

...While it taught me above, it also paralled a learning on when to stop and accept that you are in a way defeated after holding on to the competition. I admire the people behind the site for battling it out after even though they see that it was an uphill battle. They were defeated, but the more important thing is that they fought hard. No what ifs, no buts.

...And just when you are defeated, it does not mean that it is the end of your world. There are still a lot of doors wanting to embrace you. Yes, that thing called sunshine after the rain. So never give up!

And lastly, I want to share with you some of the best times I had with Friendster!

Positive comments which made me feel appreciated and loved while reading them all over again!