Writing a book on Internet Social Networking

**SOCIAL NETWORKING ON THE INTERNET** I want to produce an e-book on ‘Social Networking on the Internet’. As an older daily user of the internet, I am familiar with many of the names of social networks but am completely unfamiliar with how they work. I often hear comments about the pitfalls such as defamatory or vindictive comments, the possibility of identity theft etc. ??" Are these comments warranted or can people take measures to prevent? What are the advantages of using social networks? What would be the benefit of an older internet user like me using social networks? As a result I want to produce a guide for people (all age groups) who are interested in social networking but want to familiarize themselves with the pros and cons before they commit. ## Deliverables **Specifications (Estimated)** I would envisage a book of about 100 pages; A5 size (210 x 148mm) This would equate to approx 40,000 words. Please advise your estimated word count if different to this **BRIEF**** 1) What is Social Networking?** A full description of social networking on the internet and how it functions **2) What are the main forums for social networking?** i.e. Twitter Facebook MySpace YouTube Flickr Bebo Orkut LinkedIn Friendster (others of relevance) A complete description of each one, what they do and how they work Are they mainly used by younger users or a mix of teens and adults? **3) Who uses social networking and what do they use it for?** i.e. Teenagers - to contact peers; meet new girlfriends/boyfriends Adults - As a means of contacting old friends; sharing photos & gossip **4) What are the advantages of social networking?** i.e. Instant contact Ease of sharing information, photos, news & gossip **5) What are the disadvantages of social networking?** i.e. Identity Theft; Defamatory comments **6) What are the disadvantages to business of social networking?** i.e. Loss of productivity Impact on bandwidth **7) Identity theft ??"** i.e. How does this occur? What can users do to prevent? **8) The Future of Social Networking** In which direction will social networking move in the future? **9) Other Information that I haven’t listed which you think relevant**