Facebook has been all over the news this week. The site has taken over as the world’s leading social network site even if it is still behind MySpace here in the US. Facebook’s approach to using the local native language has fueled their march overseas.

Social Networks in general grew strongly outside the US in membership in the most recent study at a clip of 124%. Growth in the US was relatively meager at 6%. Some analysts view this trend as reason to believe that social networks are ‘topping out’ here in the US. I don’t believe this to be the case. It is true that most networks have very large numbers to report against. However, I think social networks will continue to grow strongly in the future.

The evidence that I use to back this belief is that corporations are starting to drive social networking. There are new ’specialized’ networks sprouting each week, appealing to the tastes of a specific audience. I think this trend will continue and lead to a second explosion in social networks in the future.

In general, social networks are growing up. Outside developers have created a multitude of entertainment options that can be plugged into a social network. Games have a new outlet here as well as other engaging content.

Back to Facebook. The company also announced they are taking legal action against a fast upstart site in Germany called StudiVZ. Rumors have been reported that Facebook tried to buy the company as it moves into Germany. The legal pressure may be a ploy to encourage the acquisition. Not too long ago, it was Facebook rebuking Google and then ending up as the odd man out of Google’s social experiment.

Finally, Facebook moved into the video ad game. The company began placing video ads in the right hand side of its home page. Users can comment on the videos and see what their friends think as well.

The last number I’d like to share in this news catch all is the minor decrease in email marketing success. Younger demographics have expressed the opinion that email is their parent’s technology. Texting/SMS and social networks seem to have begun to carve out a little from the email juggernaut. JupiterResearch reports that 22% now use social networks for the communications instead of email.

The wheels have not fallen off yet. Email is still very effective as a marketing tool. 44% said according to the study that email inspired them to make an online purchase. The key takeaway is to make sure you understand how your audience wants to communicate and diversify your methods.