Mashable - The Social Media Guide - Latest Comments in 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Murphy — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:03:35 -0000

lol way to sell yourself for a quick minute Babette but good comment before hand

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Bakespace — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:59:57 -0000

Hi Robert,

Pete is right. As a founder of a niche social network (http://www.bakespace.com) I feel compelled to reply your comment.

In order for anyone to have the drive or passion to go through designing, building, promoting, all the ups and downs of server crashes once you hit a stride of success, (not to mention blog reviews - Pete) you have to have a passion for the niche. In the beginning it's you and only you running the site, answering emails and dealing with customer support. If you don't believe in the product your members will know and your membership will show it.

On our site, which is a site for people passionate about food, cooking and baking, we have a recipe exchange. So, when members become my friend, they can taste for themselves if I'm really a foodie. Having a niche site allows founders to connect with others who are passionate about the same things. If you don't believe me, try my cupcakes. I've been told they are some of the best around. http://bakespace.com/?babs

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Robert Dewey — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:25:03 -0000

Excellent... Then I give them a higher probability of success - I'll be watching :)

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Pete Cashmore — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:21:24 -0000

Cyclists, I mean.

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Pete Cashmore — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:20:54 -0000

Robert,

Yes, they are.

Re: 2007/02/14/bikespace-gets-a-myspace-slide-show/

Robert Dewey — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:09:40 -0000

I wonder if the founders of some of these niche social networks are even involved with the hobbies they build around. Are the founders of BikeSpace really bicyclers? How do they know what bicyclists really desire?

That's a problem that I see common with a lot of startups these days - they are solving (or trying to solve) problems that they have never personally experienced.