Sony gets creative with social networking site

Sony is entering the crowded social networking market with a website that combines the community elements of MySpace with the video aspects of YouTube. 

The Vaio Nation site allows users to create individual pages and blogs, and post their own film or music on the site which can then be voted on by other members of the community. 

"Users can keep up to date with their favourite artists, chat with friends, write their own blogs, upload videos, music and photographs on their own homepage, as well as check out the latest music and film industry news," said a statement from Sony.

"Users can also rate the artists' tracks and videos which make up the weekly charts."

The launch has included a number of contributions from established and emerging talent from the world of music and film.

Three-time Bafta award winning writer/director Daniel Mulloy has produced a 12-minute film for the site, and Vaio Nation includes material by DJ Norman Jay, Plan B, Leeds band Stateless and the WhiskyCats. 

Sony gave the artists Vaio laptops to create new material using its audio and video-editing media software, including Sony Acid Pro and Sony Sound Forge. 

"Not only do I get to share my music but I can read comments from other like-minded people," said Jay.

"Feedback from my fans has always been important to me, whether I'm in Sydney or back home in Blighty, and I can keep in contact with what's going on with the new music buzz in the UK."