SF CHRONICLE -- Apr 6 -- Over the past few years, a number of Web sites -- Spyspace, Trakzor, ProfileSnoop, MixMaps, WhosViewedMe -- have sprung up to allow social networking site users to spy and be spied on. Most generate abit of HTML coding that their users plug into their MySpace profiles to collect IP addresses of visitors so they can then log on to spy sites and see who has been visiting. FULL ARTICLE @ SF CHRONICLE


Mark Brooks: Anonymity anon. Friendster made people reveal their real identities rather than hide behind a username. Most people want to stay private, still, but the younger set are far more open. If it's a social network then people generally reveal their identities. Online dating site users are not inclined to reveal their identities. The matchmaking business is strong now because of the elite group aspect, and safety/ background checks...and because many people have the money, but not the time to find a mate. Matchmaking clients spend $2k+ and go through a background checks with many services, which reduces the (perceived) chance of meeting a bad guy. Eventually some dating sites will brand on being more private, more choosy, and include an aspect of real matchmaking. Match is moving in that direction.