Maintaining Momentum
Many of the social software services are fun and easy to use, and tend to attract many keen users in the short term. However, enthusiasm can soon wane, and organisations should think carefully about how to involve colleagues, sell the advantages and ensure that the service flourishes after its initial launch. For example, any system which is seen as simply duplicating resources which are easily available elsewhere is unlikely to gain much support. Social software should help make more efficient use of time and resources, so if you are asking staff to upload files to three different places because of the different services you are using, then you probably need to pause for reflection!
Furthermore, although many of the services are free, there will always be hidden costs in implementing new software, and the volatile nature of social software means that considerable time and resources may be invested on a relatively untested product with an uncertain future. Make sure you have got proper back-up procedures for any resources and data which you are entrusting to a social software site!
