Where is the ‘online conversation’?

The terms “online conversation,” “community,” and “social graph,” are popping up like errant moles nowadays. I often wonder how many of us really know what we’re talking about.

It’s still interesting to me that when you break down all social interaction on the internet, you basically just get “links.” Hyperlinks connect blog posts and blogs, they connect Twitter conversations, they connect profiles on social networks and topic threads on forums.

What’s powerful is how links have gone from being structure to infrastructure. Yes links connect Twitter conversations, but what’s more important is that Twitter’s system recognizes the @name nomenclature and treats it appropriately.

Links are invisible, which is awesome.

And I think conversations and communities are most strong where those links are the most invisible. I feel like I connect with people on Twitter and Facebook more readily and easily than I do from my blog posts. It’s more immediate, and somehow more personal. But I bet Seth Godin connects more with his blog.

Obviously, ‘the online conversation’ is happening everywhere. Bits and pieces are on Twitter, bits are on Pownce, Facebook statuses, Myspace photo comments, everywhere.

I think that’s pretty amazing.

If you’re looking to find and join cool conversations, you should probably check out Teresa’s webinar tomorrow or wednesday morning.

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