It may sound a bit redundant, but social networks are getting more social. Users of Facebook in particular are sending videos to each other as a means of simple video-communication, like a delayed video phone. This is new for Facebook, which has had limited video capabilities in the past, compared to YouTube. On the flip side, Facebook also offers "social ads" that you can send out like direct-mail marketing to potential clients. When sending out production stills (photos) of your latest creation, consider doing it on the same day each week or month. Ditto for video. Keeping organized while keeping up with the media you distribute can be daunting.

Some email companies like Yahoo! Mail and Windows Live Mail (previously Hotmail) will allow you to make a customized homepage where you can display multiple social networks on the same page. While this works OK, we recommend using NetVibes as an alternative. NetVibes is a great online tool that puts all of your networks in front of you.

A new standard service called Open ID can also alleviate headaches when signing into your networks (You can thank the JanRain company for development). Being much less intimidating than the Real ID Act, OpenID helps by putting all of your user accounts under one "umbrella" login. OpenID allows you to use one username and password for many different networks. Microsoft, AOL, BBC, Google and PayPal are a few of the big-hitters who will now accept your single OpenID. You can the use one social network account to log into your other accounts. This means you don't have to enter duplicate information each time you want to start a new account. This then gives you less hassle when signing in to multiple accounts. Anything to help you spend less time at the computer and more time making video, right?!

Remember if you are creating a professional network, that you need to tone down some of the personal stuff. We have an associate who was shocked when a friend posted a rather embarrassing photo of her to her work-related Facebook site. Photos of you in compromising situations or even you with the dogs or kids, might not be good for business networking, you might want to leave that for your personal site. We've read reports of employers and clients looking prospective partners up on MySpace and Facebook to check out their profile before making a hiring or sales decision. (See sidebar below.)

If all this hubbub sounds a bit overblown, consider this: Even Cisco Systems (the maker of wireless internet devices) is launching social networking tools. Electronics giant LG has also shown off Blu-ray Disc players that incorporate YouTube connectivity. For we video producers, it seems like distributing video will only get easier.

Andrew Burke is an independent producer and has worked in video production on three continents.

Even though the 'social web' may seem like the wild, wild west, there are some general rules to abide by. First, choose your account name wisely. We recommend using part of your name, your business name or a favorite hobby. Stay away from using popular phrases or profanity. Also, when adding new friends or acquaintances, be sure to engage in a conversation with them. Digital "Thank You" notes are popular ways of acknowledging an associate while personal notes are far preferred for using with friends. And lastly, be sure to give credit where credit is due. Sharing videos is easy but it's valuable to let people know whether you've made the video or you're just passing it along. This can help avoid legal troubles or worse-stressed friendships!