TechLifeBlogged

Friendster has patented social networking. Specifically: 'System, method and apparatus for connecting users in an online computer system based on their relationships within social networks'. Wonder who is on their list to take down? Digg? If anyone cares, here is the actual US Patent #7069308
Abstract:
"A method and apparatus for calculating, displaying and acting upon relationships in a social network is described. A computer system collects descriptive data about various individuals and allows those individuals to indicate other individuals with whom they have a personal relationship. The descriptive data and the relationship data are integrated and processed to reveal the series of social relationships connecting any two individuals within a social network. The pathways connecting any two individuals can be displayed. Further, the social network itself can be displayed to any number of degrees of separation. A user of the system can determine the optimal relationship path (i.e., contact pathway) to reach desired individuals. A communications tool allows individuals in the system to be introduced (or introduce themselves) and initiate direct communication."
Tags: friendster, patent, 7069308, social networking