Calling All Pinners! www.pinterest.com

Social networking has been brought to a new level. First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and now there is the wonderful world of Pinterest. Pinterest is an online bulletin board where a user can "pin" all different kinds of images and things onto his or her boards. Pinterest was founded by Ben Silbermann of Iowa and managed by Cold Brew Labs out of California. Development started in 2009, and by December 2011, it was included in the top ten social networking sites, according to Hitwise data. This site can also be connected to Facebook and Twitter accounts and is also available as an application for smart phones. 

A user can log onto the site and create an account in order to make and save your very own "pin boards" or just browse around to see what the website has to offer account-free.  You can either browse everything together or select from thirty-two categories, which brings you to a page of five columns of images concentrating on the theme you've selected. There is everything ranging from fitness, food and drink, crafts, technology, and kids. There is something for everyone on this new, trendy website. 

The images are links to websites that tells you all about the product, recipe, clothing store, or craft you've clicked on. For example, if you have pinned a jacket you might be interested in buying, by clicking on the image, it will bring you to where you can purchase that jacket. Or, if you pinned a recipe that looks good, the website will have the recipe and steps to make it.  Once you've found one you like or what to try, you can "repin" it to your board. In order to have your own boards, you must request an invite and create an account. Once you have an account, you can organize your boards for different categories, follow your friends' boards, and "like" pins and boards. You can pin images of your selection to create ideas for your dream home, your dream wedding, or crafts and ideas you may want to use. In a way, it can act as a motivator and creativity booster! 

Pinterest is a great way to get creative and motivated to do anything you might be interested in. It is a great alternative to Facebook or Twitter because it offers a new dimension of exploration. Whether you are looking through the apparel section to get ideas for an outfit or looking to make your own decorations for the house, Pinterest is your website. It has grown wildly popular, especially among women, and will probably continue to grow rapidly. The more people who are active on Pinterest, the more interesting and different things users will come across. Go to www.pinterest.com to check it out for yourself and get pinning!