Regular internet users will, no doubt, have noticed the prolific rise in popularity of Social Networking and Sharing websites in recent months and years. Members use these sites in order to communicate online with one another, as well as sharing photos, comments, videos and more. The recent takeover of YouTube, a hugely popular video sharing and networking website, by the Google corporation for $1.6 billion follows the takeover, in October 2005, of MySpace, an American social networking site, my Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation for $580 million. MySpace claims to have in excess of 140 million members worldwide, whilst YouTube reputedly has in excess of 20 million visitors per month. Other notable Social Networking and Sharing sites include Friendster, Bebo and Facebook. These sites are all American-owned and operated and, until now, British-operated Social Networking and Sharing websites have been virtually non-existent.

However, a Leeds (UK) based entrepreneur is looking to change that, with the launch of Get Sharing – a brand new site found at www.getsharing.com. Get Sharing was designed and written by Martin Tanner, 26, after he lost his previous job. Martin, who is originally from south London, has always enjoyed writing computer programs and regularly sent off programs for his Spectrum computer to companies whilst he was still at primary school. Although these programs were never accepted, the encouraging responses he received motivated him to continue learning new skills. It was his desire to learn a new, dynamic, web programming language that led him to design and launch Get Sharing this year as a hobby. The result, nevertheless, is a Social Networking website to challenge the existing American offerings.

With a host of features already available and further features promised in the near future, Get Sharing is a powerful and exciting alternative to the established American sites. Online facilities include messaging, picture albums, video sharing, blogging, full customisation of pages, instant messenger and, if you are a registered artist, sharing of music. We are also told that multiplayer games and text messaging are soon to be offered from the site.

Social Networking websites have often been criticised because young people and children are vulnerable online and, in many cases, security measures to protect them are somewhat limited. Get Sharing has tight security measures in place and anybody under the age of 14 is prohibited from signing up. Additionally, anybody aged 14 or 15 will be protected by the privacy measures that are put in place – it is impossible for other members to communicate with members aged 14 or 15 unless they specifically know their screen name and, also, their full name. This high privacy setting is available for other users as well if they wish.

Get Sharing seems certain to compete in the competitive Social Networking market for many years to come.

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