Myspace has been around since 2003. At that time it was the new, innovative way of talking to friends. Now, in 2011, social media platforms have expanded with technology and knocked Myspace out of the competition. Myspace tried to redefine itself as an entertainment site, but it was too late. With more useful sites like Reverbnation and Facebook apps, there was no need to continue with Myspace.
Recently, Justin Timberlake, former N Sync heartthrob turned actor, has become part owner of Myspace. He bought News Corps share of Myspace because he feels he can save the dying social site. "There’s a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect ... MySpace has the potential to be that place," Timberlake said in an article by BET (2011).
So how could JT revive Myspace? According to Johnny Wright, Timberlake’s manager, JT wants to turn Myspace into a talent finder. Wright was quoted by the Associated Press saying, “"Whether it becomes a talent competition or something like that, those are things that we will still flesh out" (Kaufman, 2011).
Most people have deleted their Mysapce accounts, believing Myspace would fade out eventually. Facebook took the place of Myspace, providing an expansive outlet for not only social networking, but also games and other apps. Now, Google+ is giving Facebook competition, further pushing Myspace from people’s minds. I respect JT’s effort to revive Myspace, but I don’t believe it can be done.
There is so much competition to find new talent. Between free sites, such as Reverbnation and Purevolume, it’s easy to research independent artists. People like the thrill of feeling like they have discovered new talent. Creating a competition online is just bringing the overflow of talent competitions from TV to online. Plus, music festivals, such as Warped Tour, hold their own competition for independent talent to win a chance to play their local date.
Timberlake plan’s to announce his ideas for Myspace on August 17. I’m curious as to what he decides for the site and how he’ll infuse new life into this social media platform.
Resources:
http://www.bet.com/news/music/2011/06/30/justin-timberlake-becomes-part-owner-of-myspace.html
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666784/justin-timberlake-myspace-talent-competition.jhtml
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