Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#1

Post by starter » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 6:13 PM UTC

Currently developing a site which allows users to sign up, invite friends etc. My network's redeeming factor is that it allows active users to manually add people within their network to their list of "contacts" even if they aren't yet registered.

This action will automatically creates a wiki-like profile for non-active users until they sign up. Only then will that profile become dynamic, actively allowing friend requests and message activity.

My dilemma? Even if well built, an empty social networking application is not a social networking site at all. So, let's say I have a school network of 4,000 people. What is a good, legal method of placing these people (photos and all) into the directory before they become active users?

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#2

Post by JoachimSchipper » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 6:29 PM UTC

To the best of my knowledge, there's no way to do this. Which is good, because I'd be very annoyed if you added me without explicit consent.

Also, there are few general social networks, and there are good reasons for that.

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#3

Post by lpnotes » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 6:37 PM UTC

I'd suggest e-mailing students from the school network as a marketing strategy, providing them with a Facebook Connect link, and hoping they'll be interested enough to sign up.

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#4

Post by nolite » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 7:08 PM UTC

I would hate you and your site if you put my photos and info in there without my consent..

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#5

Post by pagekalisedown » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 7:11 PM UTC

It's common for bar and club owners to hire models to hang out in newly opened establishments to attract people. I'd do something similar.

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#6

Post by andygarcia12265 » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 7:59 PM UTC

You may want to consider a service like ProComments: http://www.procomments.com

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#7

Post by fraserharris » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 8:08 PM UTC

The usual strategy is to make it very exclusive, but let it be known that it exists. Exclusivity is a powerful motivator. Start with one group of very interesting and highly motivated people and move outwards.

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#8

Post by snide » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 8:09 PM UTC

At one point I ran a social network around cars. Basically people would upload pics of their ride and attach all the gear that went into the car. I personally didn't own a car or know much about them, so what to do?

I ended up going in person to a bunch of meetup groups in the SF area with a Polaroid and digital camera. I'd ask dudes if they minded if I took pictures of their cars for my website. I'd take a bunch with the digital camera and then take one with the polaroid. I'd then write down a user/pass on the back of it along with the site's URL. Then I'd go home that night and build separate profiles for each car.

We got hundreds of user profiles this way. After a couple months we had a decent little community. Enough to scare our largest competitor into making an offer on the site.

When it comes to social networks, it's often much easier to market outside of your terminal.

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#9

Post by Vmabuza » Sat, Aug 06, 2011, 9:46 PM UTC

Before i can lend an opnion i would like to know what is the aim of this site.Are you creating another facebook or what? And why would people want to use your site ,whats in it for them?

Re: Ask HN: How to "seed" new social network with non-users.

#10

Post by WalterSear » Sun, Aug 07, 2011, 3:08 AM UTC

Don't.