Brightest Young Things

If there is one thing DC loves, then that would be hating on exclusive (or at least perceived as such) social and other online networking opportunities.
Someone throws you an LNS bone, and goddammit, you'll jump on it.
Don't even try to deny it.
So, needless to say, when the National Journal announced that they will be launching 3121 social networking platform intended EXCLUSIVELY for congressional members and staff, EVERYONE WENT BANANAS.

What's all the fuss about?

One could argue that The Hill is already the DC equivalent of a high school prom, what with all the excessive pageantry going on (have you voted for the prettiest staffer yet? because the time is ticking by) so NATURALLY, they will need their facebook. Everyone from Fishbowl DC to Mashable to Social Times has an opinion about this and even Valleywag jumped on the "doomed to fail" train of thought by stating:

Because Congress is just too in touch with its constituents, and Capitol Hill workers rarely socialize together! (NOT!) Of course, this will fail.
According to Metcalfe's Law, the value of a social network rises with the square of the number of users connected to the system. This helps explain why it's impossible to beat Facebook simply by being more selective, as Harvey Weinstein has learned learned with his flailing Facebook for rich people, ASmallWorld. At ASmallWorld, it turned out the rich guys weren't so interested in an online club where they couldn't meet less-than-rich young ladies who would be impressed with their wealth. And once you let in a few hot poors, you're basically like a tiny, sadder version of Facebook.
We're guessing 3121 will be done in by the same issue. Sure, Hill staffers might be mainly just screwing and hiring one another in a giant inbred clusterfuck, but everyone likes to maintain hope of one day nailing or working for someone on the outside.

On our end, we're mostly curious about the features.

• Will it turn into a popularity contest? (I mean, duh)
• Can you really BE friends with that hot girl that works for that douchebag Congressman without rattling your boss' and your state bird's feathers?
• Will you be able to tag people in photos?
• How personal is too personal?
• Just exactly what the "communication tools" and "customizable newsfeeds" can have?
• Could you hack your way in?
• Will there be a discussion board? Throwdowns? Poking of people you've only seen in 3-piece suits?
• Will dating be encouraged or frowned upon?
• Will someone be monitoring it ALL, big brother style? (actually, we may not want to ask that question)
• HOW DO WE BECOME FRIENDS WITH KAL PENN ON IT?
• WHY IS IT NAMED AFTER PRINCE'S FRAGRANCE?

• 

SO MANY QUESTIONS - SO LITTLE TIME.

For those seeking (at least some) answers: 3121 is currently in beta. The site will become available exclusively to Capitol Hill staffers in September. Until then, NJ is inviting beta users to participate. If you want a sneak preview at 3121, visit 3121launch.nationaljournal.com to request access.

Previously in I Heart DC:

• 2/14: 101 Reasons To Love DC-Part 2
• 2/13: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use:
• 2/13: 101 Reasons To Love DC-Part 1
• 2/10: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 2/9: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 2/8: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 2/8: Perfect Date Outfits + Outings
• 2/7: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 2/6: DC News You Can Maybe Use:
• 2/2: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use: