Classmates v. LinkedIn / Facebook / Twitter / etc. . . .

I joined Classmates.com years ago.

But,  I have to admit, I don't follow it.

I get periodic emails about who has recently joined from my high school and college. This morning, 20 more people joined my network. But I only recognized one of those identified.

Though it does most of the work for me, Classmates just isn't a major social media site that I use.

Why?

Probably for the reasons social media works in the first place:

• Social Media takes offline relationships online (or generates offline relationships from online meet-and-greets).

• The most popular social media is FREE! Okay, Classmates offers a free package, but advanced functionality (like added background information) costs extra. The free service LinkedIn allows you to post resume and background information about yourself for free -- and you can define the kinds of connections you want to make.

• My network defies definition. I'm not as connected to those I went to school with as I am with those I live and work around. Facebook does a good job of allowing you to connect with people outside a specific network as well as those within a variety of networks -- including those networks that are informal and self-defined.

• Real conversations in real time in real places. Classmates allows you to post notes but they are static elements. I've recently had to update my phone service for text messages because I've expanded my twitter network and have many tweets coming directly to my phone. This allows me to participate in the lives and activities of a self-defined universe of people at times and places beyond the space in front of my computer screen and in a way an online application cannot.

What social networks do you use and why?