Channelling information

CRN celebrates another launch - this time into the social networking space, writes Sara Yirrell

Yirrell: Join in on the Great Channel Debate

Everyone is talking about social networking, whether it is Facebook, MySpace or the business community’s LinkedIn ­ it is fast becoming the mode of communication both at work and home.

It is no longer the domain of spotty teens trying to grab as many friends as possible, it is actually becoming a useful business tool and, in some instances, more popular than email.

Analysts have been writing an increased number of reports on social networking takeup and how it is going through the roof, particularly on sites such as Twitter.

That is why we at CRN feel that the time is right to launch a social networking experiment of our own, The Channel Debate.

Starting very soon, a specially developed micro-site ­ will ask a thought-provoking question every month for the next five months and we are hoping that you, our loyal readers, will join in the debate.

All you need to do is read the story and leave your comment at the bottom of the page. We will be making use of the data gathered during the debate, at a CRN event later this year.

We are also including a poll each month, so please make your opinions known there, too.

The first question is: How is the economic downturn affecting the channel, and what steps are you taking to get your firm out of the recession?

I look forward to reading your comments and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sara Yirrell is editor of CRN ­ [email protected]