The Facebook Variations

Now that we older folks all have Facebook pages of our own (at least that's what the media tells us), we're ready to tackle the Facebook variations.

There are three major variations on the Facebook theme: Sound-alike sites that rhyme with Facebook, anti-social networking sites that want no part of the friendship mania, and Facebook widgets—small programs that are a part of Facebook, sort of like Facebook add-ons.

The Sound-Alikes

TasteBook: Epicurious lovers pick their favorite food recipes and make a personal book.

WasteBook: In under two hours the Brits produce enough trash to fill the Albert Hall. This tells them how to cut back.

RaceBook: No social networking here unless you're of the equine persuasion.

Hatebook: A cross between a sound-alike and an anti-friend site, this site connects you with the people you hate and will look very familiar to Facebook users.

SpaceBook: A sort of happy-looking place for bloggers, friends, and shopping. What did you expect from the creators of the Yellowpages.com?

Widgets

Dogbook: An application you can add to your Facebook world that makes room for your dog and your dog's friends. There's a Catbook as well.

EnemyBook: Developed by a Boston student; similar in function to Hatebook.

The Anti-Friends

noFacebook: Tired of overexposure? Only one registered member when I visited, but the idea is to hide your face at all costs.

Right-Wing Facebook: Where Mitt and Rudy are at the top of everyone's friends list. (Left-Wing Facebook is owned, but not launched.)

Assbook: "There comes a time when a student must look beyond the face of things" is their slogan.

Isolatr: They won't even let you join their own anti-social networking site. Whether you're asking to invite an old friend or make a new one, the answer is NO.

Snubster: Hate your coworker? Fight with your husband? Snub them for a little while or put them on the "dead to me" list.

A Few Good Video Clips

And if you're just getting up to speed on the world of Facebook, see the parody infomercial, or listen to a croonable Facebook ode or an a cappella rendition of The Facebook Song. My favorite, though, is the one that makes you think twice about using your profile to search for friends.

What's your favorite Facebook variation.