I enjoyed the anecdotal style of this piece but was unsure about the overall message. Yes, some candidates are using social networks for their campaigns. Yes, some candidates are not using social networks for their campaigns. Yes, there are issues around privacy and sexual offenders. I am not sure whether or not this article is good journalism so much as it is one persons "opinion" about a really complex subject - open social networks.

An interesting monetization solution - not necessarily proven or viable, but interesting none the less. Subscription models are noted as not being proven, thus speculative journalism like this belongs elsewhere - like on a blog, not on the 1 billion dollar plus site CNET...

Bill Gates articulates his view and opinion well. I trust the information he writes because he is a very smart man. These programs are necessary but also a bit evil because they give large money grubbing corporations positive public relations at a relatively low cost. Mr. Gates is not a professional journalist and his rhetoric is indicative of this - however, the information he provides is valuable and has been published in a very reputable newspaper - thus, I give this article an overall ranking of 4 stars.