The creation of a Foaf profile can be a powerful tool for professionals to network, one which allows large numbers of individuals to contact one another without needing to be personally introduced. It can replace the need to research and connect with peers manually, by providing information about yourself and displaying it to other individuals who may also possess a Foaf profile. This would allow the rapid creation and growth of online communities linking related professionals, allowing for discussion and collaboration to occur on a much larger scale.
This technology can of course also be utilised outside of the professional world as well. For example, it could allow friends to contact one another across various social networking sites which may not have features built-in to make this possible. This can allow for large social networks to exist outside of any one given website, a meta-network. This can harness the power and features of many various platforms, as opposed to limiting one’s self to a single portal. While Facebook and Twitter have their own unique advantages, a process by which you can combine these platforms is infinitely useful.
The downsides of this system relate to privacy and the availability of information. This is particularly important for sensitive information such as one’s address and telephone number. Specification is also an important consideration, as a vaguely created Foaf profile may attract contacts which are related in obscure ways which may not be significant, creating bloated networks of negligible usefulness.
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