MySpace has often been maligned due to certain users’ garish profiles. Now, although no one’s outlawed the use of glitter and bad music, the social network seems to have made an all-around smart move by introducing Profile 2.0.
Profile 2.0 allows users to take control of several aspects of their presence on MySpace. First is some simple visual stuff, with 50 new profile styles on tap and more (designed by celebrities, musicians, and athletes) on the way.
Then there’s the rather advanced drag-and-drop interface. Members can rearrange entire profile modules (like those listing friends and comments) in just about any way they please.
Finally, we have what’s been described as “Viewing Flexibility.” An official release states that this feature “enables users to display certain information on their profile to specific friend categories that they create or have already created through ‘Friend Categorization.’ For example, a user may choose to share specific profile modules like their calendar with their classmates and share their previous companies with co-workers or any other group of their choosing.”
This update could cause at least a few people who have been on the fence to create MySpace profiles. Even more long-dormant users can be counted on to log back in and make some changes, and active members may spend hours playing with the new options.
Perhaps best of all, since the profile editor is available on a completely opt-in basis, MySpace hasn’t risked causing protests and desertions.