What can we learn from Tumblr's growth in 2009?

I did a Google search for writers reviewing their 2009 predictions and Ed Kholer made some interesting predictions about social networks:

3. FriendFeed will peak (if it hasn't already) as people realize some content is best consumed in silos.



4. Tumblr will double in traffic & users as people catch on to how easy it is to find and share really interesting stuff among friends.

Correct. Underestimated.

I love that expression "best consumed in silos." It speaks volumes about the psychological differences between various social networks. For example, my facebook is more of a silo than my Twitter. But my Google Reader is even more of a silo, as my shared items are only seen by people who I've had Gmail conversations with.

I've said a few times that Tumblr is what Blogger wanted to become. Even though Blogger still has some traffic growth, that probably has more to do with inertia from being the free and rapid way to start a blog. When there were few blog services, starting a blog on Blogger was fun as you'd pick up friendly easily. But now, with the blogging space so diffuse, you need these silos in order for blogging to feel truly social.