Like an invasive
species, spam continues to creep into social communities with the goal of
destroying the trusted bond that exists between members.

I participate in a
number of vertical social networks that cater to public relations, social media
and marketing professionals, including Gooruze, Sphinn, MyRagan and Brandweek’s
At the Roundtable.  I get value from the high-quality
user-generated content produced by these communities, as well as establish
professional connections that support Strategic Communications Group
(Strategic) success.

There is an assumed
level of trust in messages exchanged between members in these communities, even
when a personal connection has yet to be established.  I’m afraid that’s now eroding.

Several weeks ago the
comments function on my blog on MyRagan.com began to be peppered with spam for
offshore gambling operations.  And just
this morning I received this message in my Gooruze Email inbox:

rejoice_dokie@yahoo.com
My name is rejoice i saw your
profile today at (gooruze.com) and i love it,i think we can make it together,
therefore i would like you to contact me back throug my email address
thus:(rejoice_dokie@yahoo.com) i will tell you more about myself  and i
will also send you my photo  as soon as you contact me back.Hopping to
hear from you soonest,  UNDERSTAND  THAT LOVE  IS 
ONE,  Bless WITH  LOVE  AND  TRUST  Thanks and God
bless you,Hope to hear from you soonest.
rejoice

Reply me back so that i can send
you my picture for your to know me thanks. (rejoice_dokie@yahoo.com)

 
Are the creators
and/or administrators of the social community responsible for weeding this
out?  Or do we as members of the
community have to take ownership?

This is a tough issue,
yet one that needs to be addressed.  Ultimately,
the trust, credibility and viability of social networks depend on it.