So.cl, A new research experience for students from Microsoft

Microsoft quietly launched a new social networking site called socl today. The site tells you to pronounce it “social.” When you have to be told how to say the name, you start thinking something is a bit off. Will the site itself deliver?

So.cl is a hub targeted at students that allows them to “discover new topics, connect with people, express yourself, learn and share, socialize.” Another line states it combines “search and social networking for the purpose of learning.” OK, that sounds like a good thing, but it’s sort of hard to understand. And things that are hard to understand don’t necessarily take off like rockets. This venture is not exactly Facebook and not exactly search. So what is it?

Stay tuned for more reports or better yet, send us your feedback on your experiences.