Social network automation

Social Network Automation refers to tools that are used to semi/automate the process of posting content to [List of List of social networking websites|social networking websites|social networking] and social bookmarking websites. Tools can range from mostly manual and free to semi-automated tools which are either commercial standalone software or paid subscriptions.

Background

Social networking sites run on a virtuous cycle of content attracting users who interact with the content and who are then inspired to provide new content, thereby attracting more readers, etc., etc.
While much of the content is submitted by so-called-casual users a significant portion of stories are created specifically for social networking sites. These stores are generally submitted to several sites to maximize the return on investment.
To aid people submitting stories to multiple social networking and bookmarking sites, a number of tools have been created.

Mostly-Manual Solutions

These solutions are characterized by the following common attributes:

Standalone, web based
Free
Direct URL submission
Significant breadth of sites supported
Attractive UI
Lack of workflow
Low levels of error reporting

Semi-Automated Solutions

These solutions are all commercial software and do not seem to have been reviewed by an independent third party. They seem to all be standalone Windows-only based systems. They all claim to have the following features:

username/password login
low number of sites supported
semi/automated site navigation
historical activity reporting

Miscellaneous Solutions: Buttons

Some vendors offer "buttons" that you can place under your blog posts that will automatically start the submission process for your content or which will more easily allow your readers to find and "vote" for your content on that service. As these seem to be less about automation and more about convenience they have been separated from the automation tools. However, there is some overlap, with some automation providers offering buttons.
Many of the social networking sites also offer buttons, the most commonly seen being, of course, Digg's Digg This badge. and OnlyWire's

Miscellaneous Solutions: Toolbars

Many social networking sites also offer toolbars which aid in use of the social sites. These toolbars also offer easier submission of articles to and voting on stories. However they seem to be more about convenience than automation, so they are separated as well. One of the best known toolbars is from StumbleUpon.

Miscellaneous Solutions: Fully Outsourced

There are a large number of firms offering fully outsourced solutions for posting content to social networking and bookmarking sites. These are traditional consulting engagements and should be evaluated as such.