Smaller, more focused networks are becoming places where people actually listen. On the big social sites, a person’s network is often so big that there’s no real sense of community. When your feeds are drenched in a constant stream of mixed messages, it’s overwhelming. Because of the sheer number of posts, those that actually have any substance or meaning are lost in the undertow. Niche social networks, that were built for specific, narrowed-down purposes allow for focus, community, and meaning to be restored to the online world. With a powerful zap of what feels like magic, new niche sites are bringing intelligence back to the social network.