Understanding MySpace

I've had a MySpace page since last July, but frankly it's been a bit neglected as I've found the whole phenomenon bizarre, Rupert Murdoch's purchase notwithstanding. But I think I'm starting to get it. A few days ago, I was feeling way too old for the MySpace demographic (which is teens and early 20s). Then I got an invitation to be "friends" with Albita, the famous Cuban singer with a distinctive deep, throaty voice who's been based in Miami ever since she and her band walked across the Mexican border and asked for asylum a decade or more ago. Well, that got me excited--turns out I was the first friend request on her page.

The whole friend thing is a bit new for me, since of course as far as I can tell the "friendship" is purely self-promotional in nature. But, on the other hand, most of the requests I've gotten have been from legitimate musicians or music fans--only a few nuts and trollers. I know from my years of experience in media that web communities are mercurial, so you've got to join them while they're hot. The reason why Murdoch bought MySpace is simply the tremendous traffic. That's why musicians from the unsigned to the majors are viewing a MySpace site as a must-have. And most exciting to me is the number of latin bands, including some classic cumbia and salsa bands, that seem to be just starting up MySpace sites. So I guess I'll stick it out a bit longer. Meanwhile, I've "pimped" my page there a bit... see for yourself (www.myspace.com/alexawebermorales). And share your opinions on this strange universe of youngsters!