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HDDb.netRedHedd.com - social networking for…. redheads.
RedHedd.com is a social network for redheads, which as their press release states, is modelled on MySpace. Well, yes, it looks like a red-themed MySpace clone, and seems to have all of the same features, as well as a niche vertical to appeal to and generate buzz around.
But: is it a business? IMHO - no. Its attempting to monetize what could as easily be a Facebook group by building it inside its own walled garden. No doubt it could garner a small, yet dedicated following, but I don’t see it as sustainable in the long run.
This isn’t a critique of RedHedd specifically, btw. That’s a critique of vertical social networking as a business model in general. The only organizations that are capable of cashing in on vertical networks are white labeller / aggregators like Ning that can pool miniscule revenue streams from thousands of properties; even that model is marginal IMHO.
At the end of the day, why join another network when your existing memberships (Facebook) provide the same group features and social networking functionality with a larger member pool to draw on, and without the added overhead of another membership?
I recently discovered redhedd.com, and I find that it is in fact a site worthy of its own address. Social networking is an integral part of our lives on every level, and the more venues the better. Sites like Facebook don’t feel personal enough of a club, and even their more specific clubs inside of the larger site feel more like bulletin boards than rooms. Redhedd.com has a specific tone, style, and attitude that Facebook doesn’t, and we need more personality on the web–more good writing and good graphics like Redhedd.com provides. I feel when I visit redhedd.com that I’m visiting an elite, invigorating club, but when I visit Facebook I’m visiting a site geared for a younger, less cultivated crowd. There’s room for all tastes.
Hmmm - fair enough. Thanks for the alternate perspective, Courtney. As a person that looks completely average in pretty much every way (brownish blonde hair, for instance), RedHedd likely has nuances of appeal that I’m missing.
keyword: dedicated.
what facebook/myspace provide is for the masses. why shop at wal-mart if you’re into healthy organic great-tasting food?
any niche worth its salt caters to the discerning and redhedd.com feeds web surfers hungry for a corner of the virtual earth that doesn’t taste petroleum-based.
log in if you’ve got a yen for something better.
Well - judging from the comments, Redhedd is doing a great job of building a dedicated user base. Thanks for popping by, Steve!
my pleasure. and thanks for the feedback.
-best.
Yeah for redhedd — a site I think is simply fabulous!
Right on Carol - its great to see people so *into* it.
I’m not so sure that from a business strategy perspective that a vertical social networking wouldn’t work. The Internet works very well for the masses because it’s very easy and cheap medium for finding users.
There’s always opportunities for vertical social networks. For example, Harvard Business School, the Chicago GSB (Graduate School of Business), McKinsey, BCG and a host of other institutions have their own vertical professional networks along the same lines.
The problem for vertical social networks is finding their niche user base among the Internet masses. That’s really a marketing issue, not a business model issue.
A good marketing example is how Starbuck’s actually makes more market for smaller coffee houses to establish business. It created the niche and now there are plenty more people wanting fancy mochas, lattes, caps, etc… You have the big-box and then the niche market. Customization is key. Redhedd.com provides a better service for people who want more. For example in my publication’s industry outdoor living, sure you can buy patio furniture from Home Depot or Walmart, but you want it in a different color and other special personal touches you must go to a store like Patio World. Also, if your not a red head you might not understand. LOL! All I have to say is Redhedd.com has something special and advertising for niche markets does have financial success potential. In fact, just ask the trade magazine industry. Another example of where millions can be made!
I am an Irish lass with Strawberry blonde hair,(red head). I don’t tan, I burn, and I love the sun! I love my life and am glad redhedd.com is available.
Red heads have a unique perpesctive on life, we take charge, we aren’t afraid to go for it, and we do what we do with no apologies. When you meet a red head, be sure to enjoy every moment you can with her/him. There’s a reason why people realize red heads are special! Long live red heads! Long live Redhedd.com!
Just came back from the NBC Today Show where I had the opportunity to Meet Steve, the Founder and all the crew. Wildly enthusiastic and eager in a, “Red Hedd” sort of way!
What fun to meet all those other redheads even the two young ladies with the red wigs and sunglasses. Special shout out to baby Seamus glad you and your beautiful mom.
Sign me up!
Adding this to my bookmarks. Thank You