In its first issue in 1995, Fast Company announced that the "Computer is Social." Now, the magazine and its Web site, FastCompany.com are taking that mantra to the next level with a networking platform the publisher says is the first to blend journalism with an online community.

According to Mansueto Digital president Ed Sussman, "we are offering professionals a sophisticated tool for connecting with one another based on the quality of their shared ideas, not just their resumes. Our aim isn't to create an impersonal business social network, but to greatly enhance the level of business conversation in the nation."

On FastCompany.com, visitors can now contribute content in the form of member blogs and answers to daily questions from the editors, and can participate in online discussions. Member profiles will feature the content that they produce, and members can send their personal content to other Web sites by an RSS feed.

"The site lets business journalists and readers come together to create a richer experience than either can achieve on their own," Mansueto Digital editor Loren Feldman said in a statement. "We are looking forward to learning as much from our members as they do from us."

Mansueto Digital operates a network of sites including FastCompany.com, Inc.com, IncBizNet.com and Scobleizer.com.