Interesting study out last month on how associations use social networking.  Omnipress surveyed 325 associations and learned this blinding flash of the obvious:  the top objectives are to increase buzz and attendance for their meetings.  What I found the most interesting:  35% of associations have custom-built social network systems.  When you own the structure of social interactions, you own the community.

Prediction:  larger associations will move in this direction and recruit smaller, related groups to spread out the cost.  And they are going to need a steady stream of content to keep folks engaged in a more enclosed setting.  Great starting place for anyone who wants to be famous in an industry.