Top 10 MySpace Apps

Ever since Facebook began developing apps, which enabled users to customize their profiles, you had to assume that it was only a matter of time before MySpace would do the same. Though there are already dozens, here are ten worth looking at:

1. Cities I've Visited - Like the Facebook app "Where I've Been," "Cities I've Visited" gives users a chance to share destinations across the globe where they've traveled. At the start, certain major cities (e.g. Paris, Cancun) are suggested to the right of the map. To the right of each city are checkboxes where you can let others know if you 1. Have been there; 2. Can advise friends; or 3. Have plans to go.

Beneath the map, you can then list "My Favorite Destinations," selected from the places you've already been. As a plus, you have the option to "Share Your Travel Experiences," letting others know some of the details about your various trips.

2. iLike - Riding on its enormous Facebook success, iLike gives you the opportunity to share favorite musicians, songs, videos, and even MP3s.

In addition, iLike will scout out your location, and inform you of upcoming concerts, both large (Black Eyed Peas) and small (Scrapomatic). Fans will especially love the "Come to my town" request button, sent directly to the artist (or their management). Of course, clicking the button doesn't guarantee that they'll drop into town, but the more requests you can send their way, the greater the chances.

iLike will also conveniently link you to sites where you can directly purchase tickets. All in all, it's a must for any digital music lover.

3. Metaplace - Using the same concept as "Second Life" (but not nearly as complex), Metaplace uses your default profile picture to represent you in a number of different chat rooms. As with the other numerous chat programs out there, you can invite other friends, and involve yourself in a number of activities as well. Possibly addictive, but potentially fun.

4. My Causes - Again, much like the "Causes" app on Facebook, "My Causes" allows you to support causes you feel strongly about and display them on your profile, whether they be related to human rights, animal rights, politics, or something else entirely.

5. OpenSpaceEditor - For all you creative/techie types out there, OpenSpaceEditor is the opportunity to create your own MySpace app. Written in JavaScript, it can generate and execute data retrieval code for the MySpace OpenSocial JavaScript API.

At the MySpace Developer Center, there's plenty of useful information for all the newbies, so don't hesitate to drop in for some advice.

6. Picnik - Yet another app with a Facebook counterpart, Picnik is a very user-friendly photo-editing tool that allows you to crop, resize, rotate and just plain screw around with your pictures.

Since MySpace, to begin with, prides itself on ease of use, Picnik seems only the perfect companion to those of you with dozens of drunken photos. If you download the free version, Picnik, unfortunately, will continuously hassle you about an upgrade.

The upgrade has a few extra features, not the least of which is an ad-free use of the program. According to Mashable.com: Picnik MySpace Application, the Facebook and MySpace versions of Picnik are largely the same, so regardless of your preferred social network, you can still have the same fun with your photos.

7. Shelfari - Much like the site Goodreads and the Facebook app "Visual Bookshelf," Shelfari is an organized system whereby you can list books you've read; books you're in the process of reading; books you plan to read; and books you own.

You also have the option of a "Wish List," where you can rattle off all the titles you've yet to add to your collection.

8. Twitter Sync - The title basically sums it up. All you do is click the small "sync!" button, and voilá! Your MySpace status is transferred to Twitter. While it may not have the complexity of some of the other apps Twitter Sync certainly does its job with ease.

9. TV Without Pity Feed - Anyone who's already visited TelevisionWithoutPity.com should recognize this app. The snarky site has developed a widget you can attach to your profile, with all the latest on your favorite shows.

10. Flixster - And finally, one more app with a Facebook twin, Flixster lets you be the critic. Give movies a star rating, list all your favorites, make up movie quizzes, and challenge your friends' cinematic knowledge.

So if your MySpace profile is your pride and joy, you might as well go over and try out the apps. Then, if you've got the guts (and the tech-savvy), you just might want to make your own.

Does this give MySpace an edge over Facebook? That remains to be seen.