Seth Godin recently did a a series of social networking tests. Each curve on the chart represent a different idea and starting points. The yellow curve shows 10,000 fans (Godin calls then faux followers) and an idea that on average nets just .8 new people per generation. That means that 10,000 people will pass it on to 8000 people, and then 6400 people, etc. It doesn't take long for the idea to die out.
The green curve begins with just 100 people, but the idea is more viral and nets a 1.5 net passalong. It doesn't take long before overtakes yellow. The purple curve represents a an idea that is only slightly more viral generating 1.7 passalong and look at the exponential growth. More on Seth's blog.
Seth Godin's new book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
