I want to identify what is an optimal set of social networks one should join and participate in.

First, let’s identifyuser groups we’ll be selecting portfolios for. We can’t use “one size fits all” approach here, especially when talking about social groups.

So, most obvious selection is by age, let’s start with three groups (G):

1. Under 30
2. 30 to 50
3. Over 50

Second selection group is based on occupation (O):

1. Student
2. Non-professional
3. Professional

And thethird, and last at this moment, is by income (this should be based on national average and abviously vary between countries, but the grouping remains the same) (I):

1. None to high low
2. Average to high average
3. High and above

Now here comes an interesting bit, how do we select most common combination? After I’ve done some research I came up with only two selections that make up two large distinct groups:

1. G1 + O1/2 + I1
2. G2 + O3 + I2

This is just my feeling which is not based on anything at the moment, so I’d really appreciate if anyone could point me to some statistical data.

I’ve mapped this to some statistical data I could come accross, and the second group is much smaller in all popular networks. Both groups follow similar distribution pattern in most of the large networks. The only real differentiators I’vespotted were LinkedIn and MySpace. Therefore I think the portfolios should look like this:

First group:

• MySpace or Facebook
• Twitter or Jaiku
• LiveJournal

Second group:

• Facebook
• Twitter or Jaiku
• LinkedIn

Surely these lists must be customised for each case, depending on one’s preferences and interests, but I believe these could serve as initial kick off point.