Why go to the ballgame, concert, lunch or dinner solo? Obviously, we all like our own privacy sometimes but other times we might want to find someone with like interests to hang out with. This is especially true for those that might have just moved into a new area. WhyGoSolo is a new social networking site aimed at helping you to create spontaneous new connections so, as its name implies, you won't go solo any longer.
This Washington, DC based startup launched in early January 2008 to offer a locally focused social network with community listings, blogging and groups aimed at taking online connections and turning them into offline friends. The goal of WhyGoSolo is to help facilitate finding like minded people to share experiences with. It is a similar concept to that of New York-based, Meetup.com but the key difference is that with WhyGoSolo the intent is to meet people and become friends with them, not just pull together events or meetups.
In setting up a WhyGoSolo profile, I was able to post community listings for others to connect with me via an initial "handshake." This means I have the opportunity to decide if I want to kick off a conversation and potentially meet this person or not. I could also create groups which is pretty self explanatory. Finally, WhyGoSolo offers a Facebook application which can alert your friends as to when and what you are interested in doing.
I got a chance to meet WhyGoSolo CEO and founder Ann Bernard a few months ago and
learned of here new startup. I am happy to see the product has now
launched. She recently had this to say about the creation of WhyGoSolo:
"I believe the fastest way your life can change for the better is by meeting the right people. I want WhyGoSolo to be part of connecting people and impacting lives. Making a difference has always been what motivates me the most."
The site is currently self-funded and looking for a little funding to take it to the next level. If you are looking to meet people in your area you might want to check it out. Also check out what Jeff Pulver and ReadWriteWeb recently had to say about WhyGoSolo.
Sphere ItTrackBacks
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/431977/26294920
Now THIS is what social networking is supposed to be about. Finally. It's initiatives like this that'll hopefully save the human race from becoming hermits.
Also wanted to comment on a newsreader that exists that bases it's content on what the user actually WANTS to see. It's 'Sprout', a "new intuitive newsreader that sends content to the user based on their personal preferences." (says their site). There's a free trial on now. You can find it here: www.yoursprout.ca.
Posted by: Steve | Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 12:31 AM