Investors validate 'Snobster' concept
Just as others are trying various ways to bridge the digital divide, some are going in the opposite direction. The exclusive online community aSmallWorld (aka "Snobster" in some circles) has gotten significant financial backing from media investors Bob and Harvey Weinstein.
Socio-political implications aside, you can't really blame them from a business standpoint. After all, gated communities of the brick-and-mortar variety are as old as the Middle Ages. And as the altruism of Web 2.0 philosophies continues to give way to old-fashioned capitalism, we'll be sure to see more deals like this.
In fact, it can be argued that sites such as aSmallWorld are the ultimate manifestation of the "long tail" concept that drives much of the thinking behind Web 2.0 initiatives. But with one major difference, of course: Rather than cater freely to all who are interested in a particular niche, aSmallWorld screens for the privilege to participate.
Blog community response:
"Complying with the code is worthwhile if you want a place to find out about polo ponies, air charters, and maitre d??s, aSmallWorld is an excellent place to connect with fellow Eurotrashers, who can keep you apprised of the best places to get contraband Cuban cigars in New York City, and who can direct you towards the hottest nightspots in every corner of the world."
--Modern Mating
"Having a civilized meal with friends is as close as I come to being a 'lady who lunches' (you know, those grand dames of society who sip tea together). I always wanted to be a lady that lunched. But I am no blue blood, not in the social register or on aSmallWorld."
--Silicon Valley Moms Blog
"I spent some time meeting with a local tourism board this past week. The next logical step for marketing these 'trips' is to target market to niche networks of people online. Whether that be the primarily NYC audience that Gawker reaches or the dog lovers that dogster reaches, I see a huge opportunity to program niche experiences for niche social networks."
--pc4media
