Question : Will NG have an internal messaging system?
Unsolicited thoughts which stems from question:
For social networking sites the fundamental principle is the incredible ease of information flow. We are so chaotic and ADD that we try to jam as much humanly possible into 24 hours, so if that means having to open up an external email client, while on NG or whatever, to communicate with the person from another LC we searched, we often lose interest and fail to follow through. such is life.
Furthermore, social networking sites have a lot to do with very low entry costs. When you search someone from marketing in cornell (from madison) it is so much easier to send a quick message vs. calling,or face to face. Obviously this is easier in a time efficient way, but also people are often afraid to talk to those they do not know, this online interaction overcomes such seemingly small, but relevant burdens.
So the easier people can connect (ie less buttons to reach a search for people, having quick access to all possible site areas as direct links right when you login...) and the more simple things are the more communication will flow and hopefully fulfill NG's purpose. It's like how Apple prides itself on simplicity and ease, same applies to SNSs.
