Agreed. He's suggesting that most people haven't realized the possibilities of it yet.

I am observing the opposite: the mainstream public (looking at my non-techie friends) have been fully exposured to it, had enough of it, and is slowly getting tired of it. We're not talking about early adopters anymore: everybody has an online identity and has learned its limitations and implications.

If anything, social networks are getting boring: outside of your real circle of friends you see the same strangers posing to be smarter, better looking and happier than they really are: people aren't that different after all, and your real social network stays where it has always been: in your cell phone's address book.

And that's where I'll be turning to for an advice about finding a doctor or a car mechanic. I don't give a rat's ass about what "people on the internet" have to say. At least half of them voted for Bush. Twice.

Really? Half of your social graph on facebook voted for Bush? I am guessing that isn't accurate. It is the case that half of all Americans voted for Bush twice.

But I think that makes the point: what the original post is suggesting is that your social graph could be used to limit the mechnics you want to those that are left leaning hippies (like me!) who use vegan vegetable oil in the crankcase. All because you surround yourself with people like you.

Please note that I am not advocating that this is necessarily a good thing. Just that you are making the point very well.