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SALT LAKE CITY -- Just like MySpace, Facebook will eventually become blasé. The novelty has worn off, and even though many people still use it for everyday communication, it’s popularity is weaning.
Most Facebook users have already stalked all their exes, 'poked' everyone they know, built a farm and killed thousands with their mafia. So now what?
I’m betting that a new site, Pinterest.com, is the next big Internet craze.
Almost as addictive as Facebook, Pinterest is a virtual pin board of ideas pulled from the Internet. It’s an incredibly visual way to organize the things you love into different categories — or boards — and share them with others.
Some might be wondering, “What’s the point?” For those who are always on the lookout for new ideas, the point is — inspiration.
The site is filled with thousands of ideas for crafts, cooking, do-it-yourself projects, fashion, decorating, photography and more. You “pin” the pictures that catch your eye onto your board, collecting and swapping ideas and the things that pique your interest with others.
Other websites should be thanking Pinterest. If a user “pins” an item from a particular site, that item can gain popularity pretty quickly with other users, generating free publicity from the site it’s from.
For example, if something is “pinned” from an Etsy shop, other Pinterest users will see it. If they like it, they’ll re-pin it onto their own pin board. If they really like it, they’ll buy it. And if you haven’t already guessed, Pinterest.com is dominated by women.
Whether pinterest.com becomes a household name like Facebook is yet to be seen, but it’s gaining a devoted following of users who enjoy building virtual collages and brainstorming their interests.
Once you start pinning, it’s hard to stop.
Nicole Pollard currently resides in Canyon Country, Calif.
