Just a couple of months ago, Izea launched its SocialSpark.com social networking/advertising website and service. So far, it seems to be off to a great start, especially in terms of getting a buzz going for a number of shows on the USA Network and some very trendy clothing and personal care products. I like what they have done, and find the service itself to be well-managed and the social networking aspect to be developing in a positive manner. What it needs is additional advertisers for it to really take off, because there are some really great writers out there with good readership, ready to help promote products.

What would I like to see? Quite honestly, I’d really like to see some publishing companies to step up to the plate and begin advertising on Social Spark. As a science fiction lover since about the age of twelve, I’d be in heaven if Tor or Baen or one of the other science fiction Publishing houses began to offer some opportunities – maybe providing reviewers access to a chapter or two of some of the releases that folks are expecting. Imagine the possibilities if one of these publishers decided to start promoting their younger talent with a campaign of internet buzz – say for Naomi Novik’s latest Temeraire novel being published soon by Ballentine Books, or John Scalzi’s latest twist on the universe he created for Old Mans War that Tor will soon be bringing out. Think what such a campaign could do for a new author – or for the latest novel by one of the well-loved elder statesmen (or stateswomen) of the genre. Give bloggers who love the genre access to a preview and let the viral excitement begin!