thumbs up!
However, I woud prefer a local coffee house for an ice break meeting.

Sounds kind of like linkedin.com but for social networking

well i guess isnt tht a part of all the networking sites! you can search locally right???

Hi Blue.
I see your point: Most friends you meet at school and after that at work or sometimes through your children. Most dating sites are really about dating. It’s difficult to make (real) friends in a big town when you move there for work.
If the idea fails: I wonna be your friend ;-)
Tommy

This is a nice idea!
I'm gonna have to come back and vote for this one! =]

I will be your friend Blue

I was first ;-)

But instead of "Best Friends Forever" how about "Alright Acquaintances Forever"... AAF? That way there's no expectation of "hanging out" all the time.

Hey i think they already invented a little thing like this called...oh wait here it comes... Myspace :]

Trey, Have you really met a best friend on MySpace? REALLY? Fo Real? I don't believe you.

I met my best friend on MySpace. He is the king of a small African country and he sells me lots of Viagra and is always trying to get me to listen to a crappy song by his band that sounds kinda like Phish.

^Haha. You have a point there. Myspace is more for people you know & the occasional new person. I do have a question though... How do you plan to match people up?

My previous post was directed at Blue...
(Guess I took a bit too long to type)

Facebook has network options and group functions that could do this.

You can meet people this way. But I don't believe you can make a web site with the GOAL of finding your best friend, because once you found them... well the web site become useless. You will call them meet with them... etc.

Just look at dating site. Once you have found your partner... do you still continue using the site...??

]V[oogy

I'm down with this idea. The trick is defining the set of tools to help find people with similar interests and interesting personalities. I'd look into preference algorithms- maybe leverage the netflix algorithm that's out with the public for the netflix prize. Also, I'd try to piggy back existing social networks instead of building one from scratch and trying to get it adopted (that's a crazy difficult marketing hurdle). I'm working on something related, but I'm more business and less social network genius. We should get in touch.

Sweet idea.

Maybe if you could combine with some kind of link and list to local social and sports things.

e.g. there are some active social volleyball leagues, there are golf leagues, people who like movies, etc. etc. If you could have some way of linking to these, and making these all local things, it would help round out people's profiles AND introduce them to social / recreational activities they might not find on their own.

Link to volunteer opps as well, maybe.

There are so many ways to meet people but sometimes it takes the knowledge that someone interesting is there already, to get past the inertia.

Good idea!

http://www.hi5.com/
http://www.friendster.com/
http://www.bebo.com/
http://www.orkut.com/ <- Run By Google
Has the kind of the same concept.

great idea!

yeah
http://www.hi5.com/
http://www.friendster.com/
http://www.bebo.com/
http://www.orkut.com/

these all have the same concept...and it depends of you weather one make good friends or not...how does it depend on a site?

^Sites could use different methods of "calculating" compatibility, making it harder or easier (depending on the site) to find the perfect friend.

I dont need to post some links... to prove some point.
But you see Blue, finding real friends online is like finding a needle in the haystack..but its not luck at all!

I found severa real l friends in the chat room (met them and usually visit them when i have time and chance to be in that city) in very good YAhoo category when BOTs were not pestering much. Its on Professor's room on School and Education category, most of my countrymen even find their lifetime roomate in many sites.

What makes your IDEA differ realy? Free TACO?

I met my fiancee through ICQ and I suppose I could equally easily have done so through one of the other IMs (although maybe I'd have met someone different) so I think the infrastructure needed for this is pretty much already in place.

Very nice idea!!!

blue were does it stand different!~

i agree its hard to meet people when you get out there... but honestly i think this would be kinda corny, or it would wind up being like every other dating service.

How could it be differentiated from others. Maybe it's linked with sites that already bring people with common interests together; cooking, music, professions ect. I don't know, its a tough one.

What every happened to the days when people would you know simply go out of the house and meet people at the local places.

i agree with fossil

its pretty much even with those other sites

Yeah, I have to admit, it sort of sounds like Friendster. Funny thing is, with all these "friend" sites, how do you know which one your old friends are going to be on? Or do you join them all? Yuk! I guess the purpose of Blue's site is a specific venue to find your friend, i.e. go there first.

Uh....you aren't looking for your old friends, you are looking for new friends.

I wasn't really aiming this towards the online, Web2.0 crowd, it was more for the average person. It is very specific to area, so I'd roll it out in one city first. It is really like joining a sport + social club, only you don't have to do dumb things like play beach volleyball on tuesday nights, you can do things that interest you. Even something as small as finding a new gym buddy in the town you just moved to. It is hard to do!

PS Saigon, I'm pretty sure they don't have Taco Tuesday where you are, but trust me, it is the best thing ever. You go and eat unlimited amounts of Tacos with your friends. It is a bonding experience. Yum. Tacos. You should start it with your friends!

I dunno am not into this...got dozens of popping up emails invitation.

At any rate TACO TUESDAY have no worldwide appeal than BeerFriday to me =) or SUNDAY SALADs.

Focusdriven,

Well I don’t need a new application: I’ve got user marimapoka sending me a message that she’s so alone and single.
What I want to say: CH provides this service....
Tommy

even i got tht msg!

And I thought I was special...

nah

How can the webiste assure us that we will find real friends? Just because its promoted that this website is for real friends? I'm looking for what's the real innovation that will make its so.

I love this idea. When I first moved to Seattle there was a group called "Events and Adventures" that planned group activities to bring strangers together. It sounded great, but the problem was that it cost something like $3,000 just to join!

I think this would fill a great niche by providing the same type of service but without the huge pricetag.

Focus Driven,
This isn't a website where you would get popping up email invitations. There would be groups to join based on what you like to do, so if you move to Calgary, for example, you could join a group that likes to hike every second saturday, then find someone who likes swim in the mornings, just like you do, etc, etc.

Get it? You don't have to go to Taco Tuesday if you don't like it.

Ahhh another dating site, promising happily ever after ending for the Taco eaters?!

If i moved in UK..i will still hate this SITE except perhaps you can answer those questions uphere that ask what makes your site a better one?

Of course no one is opposing you to have this in your State when you intend to move downtown.

So cheer up the neighborhood they wont have any Blue Sundays!

Be sure you can notice Jack d Ripper lolz.

sounds like a Canine club to me? hahaha

Anyway its cute! arf arf arf =)

White_Tulip,
This is not a dating site. It is a site to find friends in a new city. Thanks for half-ass reading my idea and posting a stupid comment.

thecougar, this is the exact idea for the website! You've got it.

Well i dont need to read the stupid comment if it was...

Ms. BLue the idea still sucks ok? Where is the exact idea when you havent improved your lines yet?

Sorry but there are better concepts around here than this!

I agree with Patrick...i dont see what makes your site very special.

Hammer it girl!

Lucci Posted: June 22, 2007, 9:47 pm

Well i dont need to read the stupid comment if it was...

Ms. BLue the idea still sucks ok? Where is the exact idea when you havent improved your lines yet?

Sorry but there are better concepts around here than this!

Why so negative? If you don't like a idea don't say it suck, or its stupid... Give input on how to improve it.

why the *poop* are you in fourth?

i don't like their ideas

and obviously thats all that matters

GL,

I think you missed this:

"Bue Posted: June 22, 2007, 12:36 pm
White_Tulip,
This is not a dating site. It is a site to find friends in a new city. Thanks for half-ass reading my idea and posting a stupid comment. "

It was BLue who first blew her top...
Besides, this LUCCI was simply reiterating the quesitons of others which BLUE is trying to evade and cant give a good explanation to improved her IDEA. The word "sucks was used in several comments in many occasion in other ideas- if my rusty mind serves me- and even run prominently in the FORUM post.

BTw you can check my own vote too Blue, i just notice today the merits of Game's idea and voted now, and in all honesty i cant vote a negative one for you, (i rather not vote now) because someone might peeved on this and try to make some nasty conclusion.

In due respect to the comments so far Jill has the most helpful advise than syntesizing the weakness of this idea.

Blue,

I guess, it would be nice to collaborate on someone idea way back on having sort of virtual chat or something to make a good feel of a pre physical meeting. That would be something new other sites failed to capitalized. Looking for "new" friends is sort of "me too" product and is a old trick all the generic "dating sites" is pitching on.

Goodluck!

Whats wrong with a negative vote if it deserves one?

I dont like this too... but its more of worth why this Idea didnt charm me and how it would at least get better.

-the idea is nothing new
-the idea can still be improved though:

Be innovative and dare some terrain other did not trekked, of course am not saying you give TACO for the completed house visit! I think something like a chatroom to exchange debates or Family tree tracing feature or anything to unmasked the anonymity between strangers by revealing mundane things along the way.

Just a word of caution Blue, i dunno how it is done in your country but letting a "stranger" in my home ticked me off. I wish the rest of your market have the same way you want this idea to work.

For sure! If you think my Idea is bad, you should totally give it one star.

Anything else would be foolish. I repsect people that vote how they feel, if you think my idea sucks. Tell me so. If you don't, how else would I know that it would be unfortunate to waste more time on it. I value that feedback immensely.

OOPS... I clicked the wrong star number.

I believe you can change your vote.

Hey Blue, combine this with a LinkedIn type of thing - more like the NetMap Analytics posted by ??? s??? - I am so sorry to forget his/her name - in the forum today. Anyway, the NetMap thing would link people to their various clubs and interests and to other people.

Your spin on it would be the local content and could include ads and info for local concerts, events, get-togethers, restaurants, bars, etc.

http://www.netmapanalytics.com/demo.html

Hi Blue,
I think you have the makings of an idea here - what I find frustrating by many of these ideas is that they stay at a "virtual" level. I believe your idea needs to do more than just locate and connect people on-line. You would need to provide a mutually agreeable local meeting place, activities and events that allow people to connect in real life as well.

Everyone commented about the obvious social network sites out there - but they also rely on virtual connection and then individual contact if desired. Friends are best made by meeting many people in situations or activities that they all enjoy and common interest in. Then real friendships can develop.

The connection is the first step - now how can it be connected to real activities in real time in a real place.

Obviously someone would have to take the lead. Would you organize a taco tuesday event for people in Calgary who want to meet people?

Food for thought anyway.

If your idea is to go forward - as the creator - you will need to lead the community to the next step in making this a reality. I see the biggest failure with CH is that it is easy to post ideas you have no real commitment to. (This is not a criticism of your idea in particular) The only ones that will succeed is where someone drives the idea and the comments posted help them guide it to success.

I like Jill's comment about local content - but to differentiate this from just another "directory" of local activities - it needs that personal leadership.

I'm suprised nobody mentioned http://mingle2.com/
It won a Seomoz Web 2.0

( Blue, when you say Taco Tuesday's are you talking about the gas effect after it? Friends that will be there even if your not smelling your best? )

Make the idea fun and easy to use.
You got my vote

Hey PeteC,
I know of mingle2.com but this is totally not what I was thinking. I was honestly thinking of soemthing more like craigslist, but easier to use, with stuff like,

Calgary Hiking Group:
Hey! I"m new here, and want to go for a hike on Saturday, I've got a book and know where to go, anyone else interested in going? Want to meet up at Starbucks this week so we know neither of us are crazy?

Just basic, basic stuff like that.

To join, you'd probably have to give the same info as you do for a dating site, but that is the only parallel. NOT A DATING SITE. Seriously, you guys on the computer all time...only thinking about dating...

sounds good ... but wats the USP? how wud u differentiate ur site frm the other social networkin sites that pretty much do all that u have listed here ....

I don't think it is a social networking site, really. the whole point of it is to get OFFline, not stay online. I don't see this as people logging in and staying on the site for long periods of time. 3 months max, kind of thing.

Blue I think it is a great idea. I know I am average mom busy with kids not the techy type but stumbled in here and really like this site. Between busy working and kids I do not have time for meeting friends. This would give me A. opportunity. B. saving much time on trying to narrow down common interests and who would be a good connection for a friend and C. able to schedule friend activities ( common interest) well overall great idea.

This is good and could really work. My best friend, the one true person I can rely on, lives in England and I live in Scotland. We talk over the phone constantly but it would be nice to be able to just turn up at her house for a chat etc. Without having to plan it in advance and put money by for it.

Not that I'd be looking to replace her lol but to have someone nearby also. Hope that didn't make me sound bad there.

I would have something in place for meeting arrangements also. Perhaps an event once a month for example.

Well there could be an initial fear to overcome for people. Saying I have no friends is like saying I’m a failure. If you find the right angle on that one I reckon loads of people will use this service.
Tommy

Yeah, agreed. That's why the whole premise is new-to-the-city type thing. Or think of it more as joining a group, like, "I need a new gym buddy" kind of thing. That way, it doesn't seem as though you have no friends.

Blue,
I think this is a great idea.. I live in the sticks, moved here almost 2 years ago and I only know about 4 people!! I am a stay at home mom and I have NO social life outside of the family, this would be a FANTASTIC way for me to get some friends in my life that are around my area!!

http://www.calgarynewcomersclub.com/

This club is obviously attracting a certain, fairly narrow, demographic. However it has been quite successful, suggesting the model is there and it works.

Blue's idea takes it to a different market and relies more on the internet, which would appeal to the target audience.

pantherswin & neededmom,
if you two are both in the same city, get together!

BTW - for anyone new in Calgary looking for friends - Stampede is the best time of year to meet people in Calgary. You can work in an office for 11 months and not really see anyone from work socially, but then suddenly all doors open, especially if you work downtown. If you aren't downtown, or you don't leave home to work, you can start your own little neighbourhood Stampede event - a kids' parade, a pancake morning, it doesn't have to be fancy. All you need is a cowboy hat.

Yeah, this site is exactly what i"m thinking about, only less geared for couples and maybe slightly less um...uncool.

Totally what I'm thinking of though. Thanks for posting that link Jill! That's awesome!

you should win

hmmmm not bad... so any unique business model in mind?

I think that this is a good idea, but I have one thought. How do you not get creepos pretend that they are not in the area.

Um..."Hey, I'm looking for someone to go to the gym with me" "OHHHH YEAH...I"M CREEPY...I'll go to the gym with you" "Ok, How about the Y tomorrow at 6pm" "Oh, I'm not in your area"

I think that problem sorts itself out.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!

great idea. needs some work though....and for the record, myspace was and is build for advertisement.

-buddha

hey blue, i guess it's hard to build real friendship in big city...anyway i wanna meet some great guys here.

Wow, look how unfriendly people can be

Interesting concept, the way I am understanding it is it is a marriage of facebook with real life so to speak.

People meet other people when they are in the same environment doing an activity such as playing a sport, hiking or being members of a knitting club. Perhaps the site could list all the different activities that are started by an individual or a group, such as a shinny game or a hockey team and people can join this activity that occurs in real life, this will give someone an opportunity to participate in something new, meet other people and start a relationship with a potential best friend they are going to meet.

Is the the gist or am I missing something?