14 DAY TRIAL // Recently, the popular social network MySpace has announced that it intends to release a new category in its Apps Directory, called “Editor’s Pick,” which would enable users to easily explore the best applications on the platform. Until now, MySpace used to display several such utilities in its Apps Directory, but they were changed frequently and people could not explore them all. After the new category will be launched next week, users will have the possibility to view a stable list of the best tools on MySpace, according to the selection made by a specialized team whose members deal with software on a regular basis – note that these applications will be chosen solely by merit, not using paid sponsorships.
Moreover, the social network is already accepting developers' submissions, which will need to be sent to a predefined email address and will have to include the reason why each member believes their app is better than others. Also, the submission will have to contain a 200-character description of the application as well as a 128×128 icon image that will serve as its logo.
On a more general note, it is worth mentioning that ever since social networks have started supplying support for third-party apps, they have also encountered the issue of choosing the truly valuable ones from the huge number of useless ones. In an attempt to fix this problem, Facebook has announced the launch of a Verified Apps program that will provide support to selected applications, and this includes extra exposure and advantages that standard tools do not have.
On the downside, in November 2008, Facebook reported that it would charge developers a fee to allow them to apply, and since this fee is as high as $375, it is quite restrictive to most members. Furthermore, this project is running behind schedule, so it wasn't launched at the beginning of this year, as announced.
For the moment, it is uncertain if the new category on MySpace will be similar to the one on Facebook, especially since “Editor’s Pick” seems to be less structured and probably less comprehensive. Nonetheless, it is still a good chance to ensure users that the apps they are using are trustworthy.