Comments on: Massive Korean Social Network CyWorld Launches in US http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/ Startup and Technology News Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:19:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Navel gazing and predicting blogging behaviour « Matt’s Musings http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1634860 Navel gazing and predicting blogging behaviour « Matt’s Musings Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:53:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1634860 [...] is certainly the activity we see reflected in Korea and their use of websites like CyWorld — where 90% of Korean’s under the age of 20 are said to have accounts. For those cultures high on the Individualism index, though, blogging might well be more their [...] [...] is certainly the activity we see reflected in Korea and their use of websites like CyWorld — where 90% of Korean’s under the age of 20 are said to have accounts. For those cultures high on the Individualism index, though, blogging might well be more their [...]

]]> By: Top Korean Web 2.0 Apps « Waiguoren’s Weblog http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1591655 Top Korean Web 2.0 Apps « Waiguoren’s Weblog Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:10:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1591655 [...] also recently opened for business in the US - and promptly got a harsh review from Techcrunch’s Marshall Kirkpatrick. Chang commented over on his blog that he thinks [...] [...] also recently opened for business in the US - and promptly got a harsh review from Techcrunch’s Marshall Kirkpatrick. Chang commented over on his blog that he thinks [...]

]]> By: techcrunch » Blog Archive » Microsoft Spinoff Wallop Launches http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1555618 techcrunch » Blog Archive » Microsoft Spinoff Wallop Launches Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:19:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-1555618 [...] U.S. market for self expression items (clothes, furniture, beauty supplies, etc.). As sites like Cyworld have shown, people are willing to spend money for online expression items, too (Cyworld brings in a reported [...] [...] U.S. market for self expression items (clothes, furniture, beauty supplies, etc.). As sites like Cyworld have shown, people are willing to spend money for online expression items, too (Cyworld brings in a reported [...]

]]> By: GUDDA BRUDAZ http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-859631 GUDDA BRUDAZ Sat, 03 Feb 2007 09:52:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-859631 <a href="http://www.myspace.com/daguddabrudaz" rel="nofollow">PRESS DA BUTTON</a><a></a> PRESS DA BUTTON

]]> By: Steve Kirsh http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-854491 Steve Kirsh Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:05:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-854491 Hi there. I'm looking to hire on a full time basis a web/print designer & production person who speaks, reads, write and designs in Korean. If anyone knows some folks who are looking I would greatly appreciate it. The salary is 50K and the position is in Oakland California. Please email or call me at stevek@filtertalent.com 415 284-3061. Many Thanks, Steve Hi there.
I’m looking to hire on a full time basis a web/print designer & production person who speaks, reads, write and designs in Korean. If anyone knows some folks who are looking I would greatly appreciate it. The salary is 50K and the position is in Oakland California. Please email or call me at stevek@filtertalent.com 415 284-3061.
Many Thanks,
Steve

]]> By: ifszingjva http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-489603 ifszingjva Wed, 06 Dec 2006 05:26:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-489603 <strong>ldecvqtfps...</strong> pohvejfdw umzsoznebrg srccfuyvc uncnapcgge ... ldecvqtfps…

pohvejfdw umzsoznebrg srccfuyvc uncnapcgge …

]]> By: Cyworld US launches at Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-183555 Cyworld US launches at Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:49:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-183555 [...] As reported by Techcrunch, Cyworld US has finally launched a beta site. I’ve mentioned Cyworld before here. There’s not much to say but after reading the comments on Techcrunch, it seems pretty aligned with my take. The majority of the US audience won’t find it as “cool” as the Koreans and probably won’t be as successful in the US, just like MySpace won’t find success in Korea. And if you design for the US, why can’t you design to work with different browsers, like Firefox.? At the time of this writing, I’ve gotten as far as validating my email address and can’t even access my minihome as the Cyworld US would refer it. [...] [...] As reported by Techcrunch, Cyworld US has finally launched a beta site. I’ve mentioned Cyworld before here. There’s not much to say but after reading the comments on Techcrunch, it seems pretty aligned with my take. The majority of the US audience won’t find it as “cool” as the Koreans and probably won’t be as successful in the US, just like MySpace won’t find success in Korea. And if you design for the US, why can’t you design to work with different browsers, like Firefox.? At the time of this writing, I’ve gotten as far as validating my email address and can’t even access my minihome as the Cyworld US would refer it. [...]

]]> By: Web 2.0 Conference 2006 at Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-183548 Web 2.0 Conference 2006 at Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:41:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-183548 [...] Much like Channy at Koreacrunch, I, too am interested in hearing what Joi Ito, Hyun-Oh Yoo and Jack Ma has to say. I am most interested in hearing what they have to say with the Web 2.0 in China topic since there has been tons of investment going into those startups building clones as well as what Hyun-Oh Yoo have to say about his Cyworld (hopefully it’ll be about the operation in the US) because the coverage it has received this past couple months (in the US) from Techcrunch to CNN and everyone in between is abundant, although most of it is the question of if they can topple MySpace. [...] [...] Much like Channy at Koreacrunch, I, too am interested in hearing what Joi Ito, Hyun-Oh Yoo and Jack Ma has to say. I am most interested in hearing what they have to say with the Web 2.0 in China topic since there has been tons of investment going into those startups building clones as well as what Hyun-Oh Yoo have to say about his Cyworld (hopefully it’ll be about the operation in the US) because the coverage it has received this past couple months (in the US) from Techcrunch to CNN and everyone in between is abundant, although most of it is the question of if they can topple MySpace. [...]

]]> By: Joe M http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-176284 Joe M Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:21:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-176284 FREE CODE = DEATH to CyWorld in USA Fortunately - users in the US have many options, and CyWorlds - take-it-or-leave-it from their collection of graphics and mini items is not likely to appeal to many myspace users. MySpace may be terrible tecnnically - and not appeal to the geek "technorati" in elegance - but it is King with users - and it's easy to see why: FREEDOM The fundamental problem is diversity with the CyWorld Approach - MySpace has created a huge ecosystem of companies like www.skem9.com www.blemeshack.com www.glitter-graphics.com www.dolliecrave.com www.myonda.com www.createblog.com the list and diveristy of sites serving different interests - with different layouts, graphics, video, music etc. to customize your profile - or ANY OTHER profile on another social network is astounding. There are litterally millions upon millions of items from thousands of sites. CyWorld only offers their items - yes for cute acorns, but C'mon?? Who would pay? All the sites offer Free Code - that you can put on any blog, website, profile, wherever...and they are not going away. www.blemeshack.com has even launched a meta search engine to search all the other sites to find these free items and the free code... You Tube is another Major market force - in distributing their video codes free - they have grown to be the market leader - and the dozens of video offerings that have followed - have all had to offer their video codes for distrbution - to MySpace profiles, blogs, and anywhere else... Other social networks will grow - and in time - one may top myspace - but it will be based on leveraging all the FREE decoration and enhancement codes ALREADY out there... not by building a closed walled community - and trying to trick users with cutesy garbage into paying for a poorer choice of items. Look at Tag World - which has tried to push and push it's own "widgets" (technically elegant and loved by techies) to enhance your profile - after tons of money spent - it's numbers still suck. Lost Cherry is a good example of an SN that is embracing all of the MySpace content sites - and enhancing some messaging features - and growing like a rocket. They have another revenue idea which is getting users to review advertisers offerings more closely - in exchage for points - but they are doing nothing to try to lock users in, and fully support HTML grabbed from any where - and stored in users bleme Shacks. In the end - the equation is simple: Free Code + Leveraging Existing Content + Demographic focus => Social Networking success. FREE CODE = DEATH to CyWorld in USA

Fortunately - users in the US have many options, and CyWorlds - take-it-or-leave-it from their collection of graphics and mini items is not likely to appeal to many myspace users.

MySpace may be terrible tecnnically - and not appeal to the geek “technorati” in elegance - but it is King with users - and it’s easy to see why:

FREEDOM

The fundamental problem is diversity with the CyWorld Approach - MySpace has created a huge ecosystem of companies like http://www.skem9.com http://www.blemeshack.com http://www.glitter-graphics.com http://www.dolliecrave.com http://www.myonda.com http://www.createblog.com

the list and diveristy of sites serving different interests - with different layouts, graphics, video, music etc. to customize your profile - or ANY OTHER profile on another social network is astounding. There are litterally millions upon millions of items from thousands of sites. CyWorld only offers their items - yes for cute acorns, but C’mon?? Who would pay? All the sites offer Free Code - that you can put on any blog, website, profile, wherever…and they are not going away.

http://www.blemeshack.com has even launched a meta search engine to search all the other sites to find these free items and the free code…

You Tube is another Major market force - in distributing their video codes free - they have grown to be the market leader - and the dozens of video offerings that have followed - have all had to offer their video codes for distrbution - to MySpace profiles, blogs, and anywhere else…

Other social networks will grow - and in time - one may top myspace - but it will be based on leveraging all the FREE decoration and enhancement codes ALREADY out there… not by building a closed walled community - and trying to trick users with cutesy garbage into paying for a poorer choice of items.

Look at Tag World - which has tried to push and push it’s own “widgets” (technically elegant and loved by techies) to enhance your profile - after tons of money spent - it’s numbers still suck. Lost Cherry is a good example of an SN that is embracing all of the MySpace content sites - and enhancing some messaging features - and growing like a rocket. They have another revenue idea which is getting users to review advertisers offerings more closely - in exchage for points - but they are doing nothing to try to lock users in, and fully support HTML grabbed from any where - and stored in users bleme Shacks.

In the end - the equation is simple:

Free Code + Leveraging Existing Content + Demographic focus => Social Networking success.

]]> By: accelzone - techie weblog » ComBOTS is easy VOIP and file transfer for your avatars http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-172740 accelzone - techie weblog » ComBOTS is easy VOIP and file transfer for your avatars Tue, 05 Sep 2006 02:00:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-172740 [...] The company announced on Friday that it has entered into licensing agreements with New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings avatars, Paws (Garfield) and United Media, the owners of Peanuts. Look out CyWorld. [...] [...] The company announced on Friday that it has entered into licensing agreements with New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings avatars, Paws (Garfield) and United Media, the owners of Peanuts. Look out CyWorld. [...]

]]> By: Techcrunch » Blog Archive » ComBOTS aims for simplicity in VOIP and filesharing http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-172712 Techcrunch » Blog Archive » ComBOTS aims for simplicity in VOIP and filesharing Tue, 05 Sep 2006 01:44:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-172712 [...] The company announced on Friday that it has entered into licensing agreements with New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings avatars, Paws (Garfield) and United Media, the owners of Peanuts. Look out CyWorld. [...] [...] The company announced on Friday that it has entered into licensing agreements with New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings avatars, Paws (Garfield) and United Media, the owners of Peanuts. Look out CyWorld. [...]

]]> By: Tech from Techcrunch « square10 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-159314 Tech from Techcrunch « square10 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 04:25:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-159314 [...] There’s also a visual component where you can create an image of your home and avatars for your family members (think CyWorld minihompies) though the long list of things you can change about your avatars does not include the cheekbones. Without the ability to change cheekbones, everyone ends up looking the same in a creepy sort of way. [...] [...] There’s also a visual component where you can create an image of your home and avatars for your family members (think CyWorld minihompies) though the long list of things you can change about your avatars does not include the cheekbones. Without the ability to change cheekbones, everyone ends up looking the same in a creepy sort of way. [...]

]]> By: Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong » Web 2.0 Conference 2006 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-149659 Angus Lau: life, web, blog - Hong Kong » Web 2.0 Conference 2006 Tue, 22 Aug 2006 08:06:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-149659 [...] Much like Channy at Koreacrunch, I, too am interested in hearing what Joi Ito, Hyun-Oh Yoo and Jack Ma has to say. I am most interested in hearing what they have to say with the Web 2.0 in China topic since there has been tons of investment going into those startups building clones as well as what Hyun-Oh Yoo have to say about his Cyworld (hopefully it’ll be about the operation in the US) because the coverage it has received this past couple months (in the US) from Techcrunch to CNN and everyone in between is abundant, although most of it is the question of if they can topple MySpace. [...] [...] Much like Channy at Koreacrunch, I, too am interested in hearing what Joi Ito, Hyun-Oh Yoo and Jack Ma has to say. I am most interested in hearing what they have to say with the Web 2.0 in China topic since there has been tons of investment going into those startups building clones as well as what Hyun-Oh Yoo have to say about his Cyworld (hopefully it’ll be about the operation in the US) because the coverage it has received this past couple months (in the US) from Techcrunch to CNN and everyone in between is abundant, although most of it is the question of if they can topple MySpace. [...]

]]> By: Techcrunch » Blog Archive » Famster’s hamster wants to network with your mom http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-146449 Techcrunch » Blog Archive » Famster’s hamster wants to network with your mom Sat, 19 Aug 2006 23:12:38 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-146449 [...] There’s also a visual component where you can create an image of your home and avatars for your family members (think CyWorld minihompies) though the long list of things you can change about your avatars does not include the cheekbones. Without the ability to change cheekbones, everyone ends up looking the same in a creepy sort of way. [...] [...] There’s also a visual component where you can create an image of your home and avatars for your family members (think CyWorld minihompies) though the long list of things you can change about your avatars does not include the cheekbones. Without the ability to change cheekbones, everyone ends up looking the same in a creepy sort of way. [...]

]]> By: blog of nikkim » Blog Archive » cyworld for america http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-122381 blog of nikkim » Blog Archive » cyworld for america Fri, 04 Aug 2006 11:07:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-122381 [...] i mentioned a little somethin about this on xanga, but heres the full article that was my source [...] [...] i mentioned a little somethin about this on xanga, but heres the full article that was my source [...]

]]> By: Marc’s Voice » Blog Archive » Cyworld ships http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-121566 Marc’s Voice » Blog Archive » Cyworld ships Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:33:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-121566 [...] Meanwhile there’s been a ton of press on Cyworld, which is about right if you’re spending the type of money they are.  Starting with Business 2.0, SFgate and TechCrunch. [...] [...] Meanwhile there’s been a ton of press on Cyworld, which is about right if you’re spending the type of money they are.  Starting with Business 2.0, SFgate and TechCrunch. [...]

]]> By: XENOLOGUE » 대한민국의 감성에 자부심을 가지자. http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-120028 XENOLOGUE » 대한민국의 감성에 자부심을 가지자. Wed, 02 Aug 2006 11:31:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-120028 [...] 몇일전 싸이월드가 미국에서 정식서비스를 시작했다. 이와 관련해서 미국 토종(?)의 서비스 Myspace 와의 충돌이 불가피해졌는데, 미국 현지에서도 이에 적지않은 관심을 보이는지 싸이월드와 관련된 기사들이 종종나오고 있다. Techcrunch.com : Massive Korean Social Network Cyworld Launches in US CNNMoney.com : Cyworld Ready to attack MySpace [...] [...] 몇일전 싸이월드가 미국에서 정식서비스를 시작했다. 이와 관련해서 미국 토종(?)의 서비스 Myspace 와의 충돌이 불가피해졌는데, 미국 현지에서도 이에 적지않은 관심을 보이는지 싸이월드와 관련된 기사들이 종종나오고 있다. Techcrunch.com : Massive Korean Social Network Cyworld Launches in US CNNMoney.com : Cyworld Ready to attack MySpace [...]

]]> By: KoreaCrunch » Techcrunched: Cyworld and Yahoo! Korea Webzari http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-118434 KoreaCrunch » Techcrunched: Cyworld and Yahoo! Korea Webzari Mon, 31 Jul 2006 20:44:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-118434 [...] Techcrunch reported the launch of Cyworld US and Webzari, visualization service of blogs. The “Zari” means asterism in Korean. It firstly introduced Yahoo! Korea. I’m very glad to see korean web service in Techcrunch. [...] [...] Techcrunch reported the launch of Cyworld US and Webzari, visualization service of blogs. The “Zari” means asterism in Korean. It firstly introduced Yahoo! Korea. I’m very glad to see korean web service in Techcrunch. [...]

]]> By: 태우's log - web 2.0 and beyond http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-118299 태우's log - web 2.0 and beyond Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:58:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-118299 <strong>우리나라 웹에 대해서 자부심을 가져야 하는 이유...</strong> 해외, 특히 미국의 서비스는 그동안 인터넷을 토론문화를 발전시킨 기성세대를 주요 타겟으로 해 왔었다. 본래 이런 문화가 상대적으로 발달한 미국에 우리를 자꾸 비교해 보면서 왠지 우리... 우리나라 웹에 대해서 자부심을 가져야 하는 이유…

해외, 특히 미국의 서비스는 그동안 인터넷을 토론문화를 발전시킨 기성세대를 주요 타겟으로 해 왔었다. 본래 이런 문화가 상대적으로 발달한 미국에 우리를 자꾸 비교해 보면서 왠지 우리…

]]> By: peter Kennedy http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117822 peter Kennedy Mon, 31 Jul 2006 05:35:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117822 just got back from korea, where I saw a demo of CyWorld. i think it's very culture specific, and will not find resonance in Europe or the US, but will do well in Asia. just got back from korea, where I saw a demo of CyWorld. i think it’s very culture specific, and will not find resonance in Europe or the US, but will do well in Asia.

]]> By: 박정민 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117651 박정민 Mon, 31 Jul 2006 02:01:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117651 ddf ddf

]]> By: Andy's weblog http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117639 Andy's weblog Mon, 31 Jul 2006 01:45:11 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117639 <strong>CyWorld 미국버전 베타......</strong> 오늘... CyWorld 미국버전 베타……

오늘…

]]> By: Donovan http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117601 Donovan Mon, 31 Jul 2006 01:10:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117601 ironically, i'm probably going to get a korean cyworld since i cannot connect with the korean cyworld with the usa site. ironically, i’m probably going to get a korean cyworld since i cannot connect with the korean cyworld with the usa site.

]]> By: jclove http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117496 jclove Sun, 30 Jul 2006 22:34:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-117496 http://us.cyworld.com/jclove http://us.cyworld.com/jclove

]]> By: GorrillaToes http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-116782 GorrillaToes Sun, 30 Jul 2006 04:54:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/#comment-116782 It's interesting how TechCrunch and Mashable differ in its readership. Mashable seems to have very naive readers...or worst, the only readers are part of the company being profiled. I left a comment stating how these avatars are similar to anime and appeal to the asian markets because of their shy teen and preteen culture...and I got slammed. marshall is right..cyworld will be as popular in the u.s. as hello kitty. with youtube, myspace, facebook, etc. etc....how many u.s. teens are going to spend their time with avatars and talking bubbles? and their business plan is to have the members spend real money to decorate their little virtual corner? if it was free, u.s. teens would not even be interested. i honestly hope the parent company blows 30 mill on this u.s. site to learn a good lesson on market research. It’s interesting how TechCrunch and Mashable differ in its readership. Mashable seems to have very naive readers…or worst, the only readers are part of the company being profiled.

I left a comment stating how these avatars are similar to anime and appeal to the asian markets because of their shy teen and preteen culture…and I got slammed.

marshall is right..cyworld will be as popular in the u.s. as hello kitty. with youtube, myspace, facebook, etc. etc….how many u.s. teens are going to spend their time with avatars and talking bubbles? and their business plan is to have the members spend real money to decorate their little virtual corner? if it was free, u.s. teens would not even be interested. i honestly hope the parent company blows 30 mill on this u.s. site to learn a good lesson on market research.

]]>