MyHistory.tv

Just what we need. Another MySpace, social-network, web 2.0 wannabe.

But you'll never guess which network is behind the venture.

Give up?

How 'bout A&E. I told you you'd never guess.

About a month and a half ago (29 Jan), A&E Television Networks registered the domain, myhistory.tv. Don't bother clicking through. Nothing's there yet.

And then last week (6 Mar) A&E Television Networks filed docs with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect the phrase, MyHistory. A&E is definitely looking to make their website more 2.0ish, including 'internet based dating, introduction and social networking services.' Yes. That is a direct quote from the USPTO application.

I hope that A&E puts a twist on their social network. Think about the possibilities. A&E once filed paperwork with the USPTO for the tagline, A Great Place to Meet People, way back in September 2002. Of course, they meant 'famous, historical and noteworthy individuals.' A&E should resurrect that phrase. Can you imagine a social network that includes scholars playing the roles of dead famous people? Where else could you exchange pearls of wisdom with Confucius? And where else could you have a debate with Stephen A. Douglas? And where else could you have former US Presidents amongst your friends.

It does seem like A&E might incorporate an educational component since the trademark filing also covers old school media like 'books, magazines, pamphlets, brochures, study guides, workbooks and scrapbooks.'