Believe it or not! Thoughts on new social networking site

[badshar]

The way the industry is going, the "next big thing" in social networking is more apt to be mobile-based, not a website.  There's a reason Facebook is so focused on developing a their mobile platform (and so desperate to figure out how to make money off of it; people simply don't access Facebook nearly as much from a traditional computer screen, and it's a lot harder to sell advertising in the mobile space). 

Is that the reason Instagram is popular since its mobile-only platform?

[the_Bird]

Well, Instagram wouldn't really make any sense as anything other than a mobile app.

[indeedproceed]

The way the industry is going, the "next big thing" in social networking is more apt to be mobile-based, not a website.  There's a reason Facebook is so focused on developing a their mobile platform (and so desperate to figure out how to make money off of it; people simply don't access Facebook nearly as much from a traditional computer screen, and it's a lot harder to sell advertising in the mobile space). 

Is that the reason Instagram is popular since its mobile-only platform?

Yes.

[badshar]

I actually don't even know if I will be able to handle traffic, in case, with the limit resources I have. Forget that, I really don't know if this site will be successful

[arambone]

I actually don't even know if I will be able to handle traffic, in case, with the limit resources I have. Forget that, I really don't know if this site will be successful

look into unity3d. If you think you can handle some programming with it, i'll handle the animation stuff and maybe we can make a little basketball app for iphone/android. Not a full game, but just one skill, like rondo full court passes with crazy spin on the ball or something.

[badshar]

If someone told you guys about a new site, what factors would come into play in your decision process on whether to join it or not? I am not saying leave facebook and come join this site, but in general, what factors would you be looking for?

[indeedproceed]

If someone told you guys about a new site, what factors would come into play in your decision process on whether to join it or not? I am not saying leave facebook and come join this site, but in general, what factors would you be looking for?

Who else was on it, and if the content was worth it. Literally the number 1 and maybe only thing Id consider.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

If someone told you guys about a new site, what factors would come into play in your decision process on whether to join it or not? I am not saying leave facebook and come join this site, but in general, what factors would you be looking for?

How many people that I actually know are using it. If my family and friends use it then I tend to follow them. I started a Twitter account long ago (I think when Shaq was a Suns), used it a bit at first because it was new to me... after the "new" wore off I stopped using it because I didn't actually know anyone (real life) on it. Then a few months ago I found out that some of my family started using it, so I went back, and now I use it more than I use to use Facebook (which I have pretty much given up and rarely check it, b/c I just use Twitter).

Also, ease of use. Facebook use to be so easy and SIMPLE, they changed what got me there in the first place, so I repaid them by going to Twitter (w/ family), because it's straight to the point! Sometimes on Facebook people reply to me and a lot of the time I never see it. I hate the timeline they stole from Twitter (tried to steal b/c FB's is horrible)! Like, my family member will say, "girl, did you see that pic that "so and so" put up yesterday?"... then they have to go through pages and pages to find it... but on Twitter if one of your friends posts a picture you can easily find it on your timeline.  I dunno, maybe I stink at the FB timeline thing but I hate it.


Okay, I'm done.


Oh wait, about the site for high school/middle school kids... sounds like a site that will be filled with predators... how will you make sure people are who they say they are, will it actually be safe for the kids. Other sites have problems with that now and they require you to be a certain age and older...

[Roy H.]

If someone told you guys about a new site, what factors would come into play in your decision process on whether to join it or not? I am not saying leave facebook and come join this site, but in general, what factors would you be looking for?

Who else was on it, and if the content was worth it. Literally the number 1 and maybe only thing Id consider.

Yeah, it basically comes down to other members, as well as ease of use.

I actually preferred Myspace over Facebook.  However, everyone eventually migrated over to Facebook, so that's where I am.  I'm sure that's why most people are there now.  You go where your friends are.

You mentioned something in your first post about customizable profiles.  Beyond privacy options, that's potentially a good idea.  One of the things I liked about Myspace was the ability to make your page look different than everyone else's.  Facebook has made a minor concession in that area with the banner photo, but otherwise one person's page looks like everyone else's.  Perhaps that's a selling point for them, but there are probably people who would like to use more creativity.  Basically, some sort of Myspace / Facebook hybrid.

The task you face is daunting.  If I'm understanding you right, you goal initially is to make something that you, your friends, and friends of friends use.  I think that's the right mindset to approach this with.

[ACF]

What's to stop Facebook from making a private mode themselves?

And the thing is, Facebook does have ways to be much more private.

But, their success is based on accessibility.  If you couldn't easily find, and see your friends on there, then they wouldn't have a business.  And that is the rub.  If you have too much privacy, then there is no reason for anyone to come to the site.

Sure there is: