I think I first heard about pinterest.com from a television newscast. I had to request an invitation and wait. I really didn't know much about the site other than it was a type of social networking tool. I didn't have time to play with it much before our recent vacation. Now, I've tried my hand at pinning.
I think pinterest is engaging. There's not a whole lot there that's not already available in different places on the Net. Yet, the interface is clean and simple. The sharing aspect makes one want all of one's friends onboard somewhat in the same way kids form clubs and make treehouses. (Do kids still do those things in the physical world, he wonders.)
So, what is it? Well, it is a little easier than trying to explain to the initiated what twitter is. Pinterest is a sort of Internet scrapbook-type bulletin board. It allows one to easily collect and sort pictures and images from around the Internet or from one's own devices. If one goes to a webpage which has a stunning photo he or she would like to "keep", a simple click on a browser tool bar will place it into a custom board. It plays well with Facebook, so you'll start seeing invites from nerdy friends.
I suppose that's only half the deal. It is a great place to search or browse through others pins and boards. Some even say it is inspirational. Right at the moment it seems as if women have adopted it to a greater extent. Eventually though, there'll probably be less fashion and design, and more gears and beer. Let's hope anyway.