Odds and Ends

1. MySpace joins OpenSocial, a Google-led initiative that promotes a common set of standard for software developers to write programs for social networks. According to the NYT, Google says it invited Facebook to participate, but a Facebook spokeswoman says Facebook has not yet been fully briefed on the initiative, though it has scheduled a meeting with Google engineers soon.

Randall Stross draws the appropriate conclusion: "A long, long time ago—last Monday, that is—Facebook ... was celebrating its ability to command a generous $15 billion valuation while pocketing a $240 million investment from Microsoft ... If Facebook chooses to remain a holdout [from OpenSocial], it will not be as the head of a countercoalition but as a cranky recluse."

2. Todd Zeigler points to another use of Google AdWords: As a "cheap and real-time focus group."

3. The NYT reports on the power of Twitter.