I have a real estate related myspace (www.myspace.com/lianesells) and I am going to register for a facebook account. I also blog on ActiveRain.com. I have gotten quite a few leads from both my MySpace and my ActiveRain profile. I think it works - and its free marketing, so why not try it?

Social networks have a variety of uses, outside of personal use. Some employees may abuse this and if a company is worried about that I suggest they implement guidelines about usage. Monitoring an employee's computer use is not difficult.

Social networking a new way of connecting with a consumer base, not just marketing 'at' them. Companies could also benefit from the relationship their employees have with customers.

No, they as a category haven't peaked. Social networking is here to stay, it's just the websites that will come and go. MySpace will probably slow down more as it has. Facebook is more of a user utility than just a network so I project it will keep growing. Integrated mobile social networks will be next.