Togetherville, social networking for kids 6 - 10

I've got two kids under 10 and I've got mixed feelings on networking sites for kids this young. On the one hand, they will have the opportunity to get familiar with the technology they will spend the rest of their lives using. On the other hand, why rush into it when they are happy without it (really, regardless of happy or not).<p>I'm a programmer (developer/engineer/whatever), been programming since I was about 10, but I've not encourages nor discouraged computer use for my kids. I figure the computer is there and they will pretty much decide how much they are into it.<p>I have to also confess that I've thought of developing a kids website that my kids can play with. What are your experiences or thoughts here?

I would rather my children didn't use something like this. Purely because it's a waste of time. Children socialise just fine at the local park and school.<p>While at home they need down time and time to be bored. It's an essential element of developing your own personality.<p>They've got 400 years of books to read as well, the sooner they start on that the sooner they will finish.

I have an idea for a social network for kids 10 and under. Sand, grass, swings, hoops, seesaws, and ball games.<p>Social networks make sense for adults because we're removed from my family, friends, peers by geographic proximity and time .. plus we have too many casual "friends" to network with face to face constantly.<p>Kids? not so much. Kids can make friends within few minutes. Let them play outside, somewhere safe.

"Drop-down text messages, called "quips", express thoughts and feelings"<p>Sounds like a useless version of Twitter :-)

My daughter (11) may be into this, but my son (8) probably wouldn't. He likes games too much. He still plays Club Penguin some, but Garry's mod is where he spends his screen time now.