As a member of an "older generation," it was interesting to me to read in today's Digital Music News that "over half of MySpacers are now over the age of 35." I'm glad to hear that, for a couple of reasons.
Social networking sites seem to be geared to the young, at least it appeared that way to me in looking into some of them over the past few months. Most of the time, I didn't even know what they were talking about.
As for MySpace, the 12-17 year olds were the ones most talked about who used it. According to the analysis done by comScore, teens 12-17, who accounted for about one-quarter of MySpace users in August 2005, have now decreased by about one-half that many. And, the number of users 35 years and older has increased as have the users who are 55+ (see chart).
If that trend continues, maybe I will be able to participate in online music communities without feeling like I'm from another planet. Also, since our m2w2 music typically appeals to adults, maybe more so than teens, having more adults on social networking communities can help with the marketing of m2w2.
I have really felt out of place when I have visited online music communities. It will be good to have others around who are as out of the " hip music loop" as I am.