There are at least two types of social networks, those started by individuals or organizations with the objective of helping people work together and support each other toward a common goal, and those begun by businesses striving to make money.

Common indicators of ‘for profit’ networks:

• Broad mission
• Membership fee plans, and restriction of access to some or all content without joining or paying
• Ads
• Partners, organizations that want you to see them, and their affiliation with the network. They often paid to become partners and then they usually gain some level of access to the membership data.
• Rewards, any mechanism to persuade you to participate by delivering tangible value for your action.
• Registration data collection which requests or requires a significant amount of information.
• Very polished interfaces.
• Publicity for the network, deliberate posts on other sites directing traffic to the network. Includes all other media as well.
• Referral rewards, encouraging you to bring new members.
• Usually names the company that developed the code and manages it.

Common indicators of networks run by people for people:

• Clear, niche mission.
• Loose registration requirements, only enough authentication necessary to prevent spamming and automated abuse.
• Wide range of content on the subject from a very diverse community
• Few to no ads, few to no partners. The network is a sustainable entity that is not intended to drive traffic to other sites.
• No rewards, other than the benefit of helping others. Ratings mey be used to help moderate posts/content.
• Simple interface.
• Well organized categorization of content, clearly indicates the site managers undertand the material and needs of the site visitors.
• Some areas may require payment to cover costs of valuable services
• Often acknowledges contributions of equipment, skills, or services donated to support it.

There are many instances where a network may transition to a ‘for profit’ site, and, if it retains the positive qualities that predicated its success, that’s the best of both worlds.

If you are participating on a site to gain rewards, a ‘for profit’ site is better. If your goal is to contribute to the common good, it may be better to join a site with like minded individuals.