I am totally tired of seeing Wiki's being labeled as social networks, they are collaborative forums people.

I understand people want to make money using there own site/wiki but most Wiki's I come across all have the same templates/layouts because they're built on top of another Wiki program. Please do me a favor before you build a wiki make sure there isn't a social network that already covers it.

...but they kind of are. people are interacting - just because you don't have a "friends list" doesn't mean it isn't social networking. maybe the term social computing would be more apt.

In response to your question - it all depends on what you want to achieve. I think wikis are a great tool for building relationships with people.

To me a social network is about making and sustaining contact with other people who have similar interests. While a Wiki is more of a solo arena of editing, creating and modifying information for the greater good or (lately) for one's self interest.

I think that might depend on the context of the wiki.... for the purpose it serves

I see wikis as being more like a reference page or a manual - an information resource type of thing

what makes a wiki a social network is the ability to discuss - wikipedia's talk pages, confluences comment feature. People interacting over content builds relationships. Having said that though, I would say forums and the comments of a blog (a forum again) are the best ways of building social networks

Good Points all around