In May 2009. I sent out another press release about ValdostaConnect.com to the local newspaper, Valdosta Daily Times. This was probably the third press release that I sent but this time I got their attention. A week later my cousin sent me a link to an article. No, this was not an article about ValdostaConnect. It was an announcement that the Valdosta Daily Times was launching their own social network.
Their article was entitled:
Finding love in cyberspace: VDT launches online social network, dating service
http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/local/local_story_162001859.html
A quote from the article states, “We have found that several of our online readers are looking to connect with others in the area in a safe environment. The service will provide users with a safe place to meet new people.”
I find this statement very interesting being that a month prior to this article I sent the VDT an email concerning a story idea about online social networking for Valdostans. In this email I shared my website’s success, “I own and operate ValdostaConnect.com, a social and business networking website. There are over 6,300 members spread out in practically all 50 states. Many VSU alumni, high school alumni, military personal (some in foreign countries).”
In the email I also stated that, “Valdosta has it’s own style and flavor, and I was very tired of online companies who have no presence in Valdosta whatsoever capitalizing on our online business (they want us to buy their goods and services yet they put nothing back in our community). The other reason why I did not set out to duplicate MySpace, was the fact that as a Christian it gets harder and harder to go to websites without being exposed to explicit language and graphics. So when putting my plans together about the site, being family friendly was a top priority. ValdostaConnect is not perfect, but if I come across inapproptiate content or if a member brings it to my attenion, I remove it from the site.”
I’m not mad at the VDT for creating their own network. This is just business. Social networking is very popular and companies should capitalize on this new trend. In 2007 when I created ValdostaConnect.com, I expected the local media companies to create their own sites. Because of this I “hit the ground running” to connect with the community
The VDT provides good news coverage and have provided a great service to this community since the late 1800’s. But just like BlackCrow Media who created Heyawl.com, they only saw me as competition and did not contact me for any type of partnership or consultation.
My goal for ValdostaConnect.com is to help members of the community see the benefit of building relationships where we can partner with each other to accomplish our on individual goals.
