MySpace wasn’t the first social networking site - and it won’t be the last - but it was in the right place at the right time to capitalize on the social networking phenomenon. Friendster, Multiply, Orkut and Facebook are examples of sites that didn’t make it as big, for reasons that are hard to puzzle out.

My theory is this: constraints appeal to the informed. The uninformed like no constraints because the curve for learning - the exertion they have to put into abiding by the rules - is much less. Those who choose to achieve a deeper appreciation for web design will find that MySpace is… lacking. They might go to Vox or whatever, but that population, the “cream”, will be small.