I’ve always wanted to make a grand prediction. But I’ve been scared of getting it wrong. But what the heck. Face the fear and do it anyway as a book on my shelf says.

Social networking is here to stay.

You want more? What about the various currently popular sites?

Here are my predictions:

• Facebook will flatline in the next 12 months but will remain viable until it begins a steady decline in 2013

• Twitter will start to decline in 2012 and will outpace the downturn of Facebook

• LinkedIn will increase in popularity and usage. So if you haven’t done so yet, join LinkedIn.

Something new and bigger will be launched soon. As long as it isn’t operated by Google or Microsoft (because I loathe these monoliths!), then count me in! And sooner or later there will be a cost to social networking.

In the meantime, let’s remember that we have some great – for the most part FREE – tools in the existing services of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like. And FREE is great for charities!

While they’re still available, take advantage.

Feel free to comment on my predictions below or, if you don’t want to publicly embarrass me, shoot me an email at paulaa@stephenthomas.ca.