Social networking, a rising Internet trend most famously exemplified by Friendster, is about to meet another online trend--fees.

http://news.com.com/2100-1038_3-5147716.html

Tickle fully expects Friendster and other competition to jump on the fee bandwagon to benefit the industry as a whole, said Tickle Chief Executive James Currier.

"It's not that Tickle is the social networking company that's charging," Currier said in an interview. "It's for the enhanced features that we're drawing the line, and we're hopeful that the others come along with us. There needs to be a revenue stream for these companies to provide a good, strong service to consumers. We learned our lesson during the bubble that you can't sustain these services without some kind of payment relationship, and consumers are getting used to paying for things that they use and enjoy."

Friendster founder Jonathan Abrams, who was not immediately available for comment, has said in the past that his service will remain free, though fees could be introduced for extra features.

Tickle has turned a profit for the last seven quarters through fees associated with its quizzes and dating services, Currier said.

Premium subscriptions to the Tickle social network, which boasts more than 1 million members, according to the company, will cost $19.95 for one month, $39.95 for three months, and $59.95 for six months




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