Could Google+ be the first prominent open social network?

Google+ has an incredible amount of buzz surrounding it at the moment. But one element the young network lacks is open standards compliance.

It’s not unique to Google+, as almost all social networks for that matter have this problem. But Google is in a unique position to advance the cause of open standards for social networking.

To put it plainly, open web standards help make the Web and its services run smoothly. Organizations like W3C … Continue Reading

LA Times and other big publications sign-in to Janrain's authentication service

A growing number of publishers want to connect with their readers’ social network accounts, according to a startup called Janrain. The Portland, Ore. company just announced some major media companies as new customers for its product, Engage, which authenticates site visitors and lets them share content using their accounts from Google, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

The new partners include Tribune Interactive (the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Sun), Meredith (Better Homes and Gardens, Parents), E.W. Scripps … Continue Reading