Comments on: Global Grind: Ajax, Finally, For The Hip Hop Demographic http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:36:13 -0800 hourly 1 By: Global Grind http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2799836 Global Grind Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:55:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2799836 [...] Global Grind: Ajax, Finally, For The Hip Hop Demographic (techcrunch.com) - September 27, 2007TechCrunch article on Global Grind. [...] [...] Global Grind: Ajax, Finally, For The Hip Hop Demographic (techcrunch.com) – September 27, 2007TechCrunch article on Global Grind. [...]

]]> By: Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? | Black Web 2.0 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2565286 Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? | Black Web 2.0 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:16:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2565286 [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes’ for the hip-hop culture?  Or how [...] [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes’ for the hip-hop culture?  Or how [...]

]]> By: Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? | Fidicaro.net http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2565202 Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? | Fidicaro.net Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:18:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2565202 [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes for the hip-hop culture? Or how about the [...] [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes for the hip-hop culture? Or how about the [...]

]]> By: Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2564871 Race And The Web: Going After Niche Markets Or Practicing Digital Segregation? Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:04:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2564871 [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes for the hip-hop culture? Or how about the [...] [...] we all think it’s “more personal” and “more authentic.” Remember when Global Grind was once the more authentic counterpart to Pageflakes for the hip-hop culture? Or how about the [...]

]]> By: WuChess: Online Chess For The Hip Hop Crowd. Why Not. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2342461 WuChess: Online Chess For The Hip Hop Crowd. Why Not. Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:09:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2342461 [...] we’ve got Netvibes for the hip hop crowd (GlobalGrind), why not online chess, [...] [...] we’ve got Netvibes for the hip hop crowd (GlobalGrind), why not online chess, [...]

]]> By: Le Blogueur » Blog Archive » Le point sur la bataille des pages personnalisables http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2014550 Le Blogueur » Blog Archive » Le point sur la bataille des pages personnalisables Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:15:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2014550 [...] un nouveau venu lancé en Septembre dernier ne figure pas encore dans le [...] [...] un nouveau venu lancé en Septembre dernier ne figure pas encore dans le [...]

]]> By: TechCrunch en français » La bataille des pages personnalisables http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2004784 TechCrunch en français » La bataille des pages personnalisables Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:05:11 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2004784 [...] un nouveau venu lancé en Septembre dernier ne figure pas encore dans le [...] [...] un nouveau venu lancé en Septembre dernier ne figure pas encore dans le [...]

]]> By: InsaneIdea » Blog Archive » The Personalized Homepage War: Who Matters http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-2004595 InsaneIdea » Blog Archive » The Personalized Homepage War: Who Matters Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:39:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-2004595 [...] on the chart is GlobalGrind, a hip-hop centric personalized home page that launched in September 2007. They now have 144,000 monthly unique visitors of their own. Not bad for a site [...] [...] on the chart is GlobalGrind, a hip-hop centric personalized home page that launched in September 2007. They now have 144,000 monthly unique visitors of their own. Not bad for a site [...]

]]> By: Terry Ng http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1649455 Terry Ng Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:08:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1649455 A huge part of why this was even able to get off ground are the big names behind it with proven track records. The problem is, they're in a totally new space and it seems like they don't quite understand it. The beta is absolutely horrible, and I can't believe Russell Simmons would allow developers to release such a boring product to the public. There's absolutely no branding or elements of hip-hop styling at all on the site. Like someone said before, it clearly looks like they purchased a white-label product and released it with the Global Grind name. A huge part of why this was even able to get off ground are the big names behind it with proven track records. The problem is, they’re in a totally new space and it seems like they don’t quite understand it. The beta is absolutely horrible, and I can’t believe Russell Simmons would allow developers to release such a boring product to the public.

There’s absolutely no branding or elements of hip-hop styling at all on the site. Like someone said before, it clearly looks like they purchased a white-label product and released it with the Global Grind name.

]]> By: Mitch Reisendorf http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1648221 Mitch Reisendorf Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:37:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1648221 Dealing with hip hop (which most in the tech world don't understand besides the class c rubbish remains on MTV/Clear Channel) its all about impact and that can only be achieved on the Internet if what is being brought to the table can push the culture FORWARD. Is this site going to do that or will the audience say "ok here go the usual suspects once again trying to flip a fast dollar off of our hip hop asses on the Internet since nobody cares about their records or entertainment networks anymore". It's not about demographics and numbers it’s about having the right zone, appeal, touch and honesty. If not then everybody will buzz about your destination for quick minute and then go back into their own little paths because they no longer want the "status quo" to play a role in defining their experiences. They’ll just go to last.fm directly thank you very much. Hopefully the people behind the site keep it real with the culture they're trying to milk for “big ad dollars” or else they will feel the online sting of non-relevancy Dealing with hip hop (which most in the tech world don’t understand besides the class c rubbish remains on MTV/Clear Channel) its all about impact and that can only be achieved on the Internet if what is being brought to the table can push the culture FORWARD. Is this site going to do that or will the audience say “ok here go the usual suspects once again trying to flip a fast dollar off of our hip hop asses on the Internet since nobody cares about their records or entertainment networks anymore”.

It’s not about demographics and numbers it’s about having the right zone, appeal, touch and honesty. If not then everybody will buzz about your destination for quick minute and then go back into their own little paths because they no longer want the “status quo” to play a role in defining their experiences. They’ll just go to last.fm directly thank you very much.

Hopefully the people behind the site keep it real with the culture they’re trying to milk for “big ad dollars” or else they will feel the online sting of non-relevancy

]]> By: Steve Ballmer http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1648084 Steve Ballmer Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:06:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1648084 Hip Hap is just a bunch of noise! Sounds like some of that Garageband crap. Hip Hap is just a bunch of noise!
Sounds like some of that Garageband crap.

]]> By: ZiZi http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647606 ZiZi Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:07:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647606 "God you’re so lucky to be american! Nobody would ever be able to raise one single dollar for such a project here in France…" HAHAHAHAHA!!! this is the comment of the week. “God you’re so lucky to be american!
Nobody would ever be able to raise one single dollar for such a project here in France…”

HAHAHAHAHA!!!
this is the comment of the week.

]]> By: rod / techfold.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647275 rod / techfold.com Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:58:08 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647275 Other than some specific content under the "rap beef" tab, I'm not sure how this relates to hip/hop. It doesn't look "hip hop." Their logo, tagline, etc. don't really scream urban hip hop demographic either. The site design certainly doesn't communicate anything other than "generic ajax homepage." Looks to me like a branded generic vertical supplied by a white labeller. Plus: divide 500b by 24m and you get a per person purchasing power of about 21 grand. 500b is an attractive slice, but unless you get a huge chunk of it, I think its going to be hard to really monetize. Other than some specific content under the “rap beef” tab, I’m not sure how this relates to hip/hop. It doesn’t look “hip hop.” Their logo, tagline, etc. don’t really scream urban hip hop demographic either. The site design certainly doesn’t communicate anything other than “generic ajax homepage.” Looks to me like a branded generic vertical supplied by a white labeller.

Plus: divide 500b by 24m and you get a per person purchasing power of about 21 grand. 500b is an attractive slice, but unless you get a huge chunk of it, I think its going to be hard to really monetize.

]]> By: cedric http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647231 cedric Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:24:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647231 Hi Connector, I was not speaking of the HH-based projects only. I was speaking of VC/BA in France, which are very very reluctant to fund early stage Internet projects. I had a senior investor in one of the biggest french bank on the phone last week (for a hiphop-based project, with much more innovative and financial potential than what I can see of this netvibes declinaison), who told me financial people in France have still vividly in memory what happened in early 2000s. Convincing a VC or BA with a full Internet project is almost impossible without a self-funded beta, and 6 months of proof that you can deliver cash with a high gross profit rate (even with previous entrepreneur experiences). Of course, funding a HH project here in France adds difficulty to this headache, and I'm really curious of what makes you say the contrary. And if you are yourself representing an equity that is ready to fund such projects, we should definitely get in contact. ;) BR Cedric Hi Connector,

I was not speaking of the HH-based projects only. I was speaking of VC/BA in France, which are very very reluctant to fund early stage Internet projects. I had a senior investor in one of the biggest french bank on the phone last week (for a hiphop-based project, with much more innovative and financial potential than what I can see of this netvibes declinaison), who told me financial people in France have still vividly in memory what happened in early 2000s. Convincing a VC or BA with a full Internet project is almost impossible without a self-funded beta, and 6 months of proof that you can deliver cash with a high gross profit rate (even with previous entrepreneur experiences).

Of course, funding a HH project here in France adds difficulty to this headache, and I’m really curious of what makes you say the contrary. And if you are yourself representing an equity that is ready to fund such projects, we should definitely get in contact. ;)

BR
Cedric

]]> By: Peter F. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647203 Peter F. Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:07:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647203 There is simply nothing unique about GlobalGrind. The design is subpar for a funded start up, its very web 0.5 looking. There is simply nothing unique about GlobalGrind. The design is subpar for a funded start up, its very web 0.5 looking.

]]> By: Connnector http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647183 Connnector Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:56:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647183 Cedric, I think you're mistaken. The hip hop community in France whilst not as large as in the US, does have a loyal fan base. So loyal niche fanbase = monetisation. Innovative VCs, angels and others will probably see beyond the initial antipathy towards the hip hop culture and exploit the opportunity. Cedric, I think you’re mistaken. The hip hop community in France whilst not as large as in the US, does have a loyal fan base. So loyal niche fanbase = monetisation. Innovative VCs, angels and others will probably see beyond the initial antipathy towards the hip hop culture and exploit the opportunity.

]]> By: tiffany http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647173 tiffany Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:44:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647173 "Frankly, I’m in favor of any experiments which bring technology to people beyond the early adopter tech geek crowd. " GlobalGrind.com will just be a hit with hip-hop generation early adopters. I don't know if it will ever develop a critical mass among a less geeky audience. But then I'm skeptical about whether any start page outside of MyYahoo! and iGoogle will ever be a hit outside of the geek set. “Frankly, I’m in favor of any experiments which bring technology to people beyond the early adopter tech geek crowd. ”

GlobalGrind.com will just be a hit with hip-hop generation early adopters. I don’t know if it will ever develop a critical mass among a less geeky audience. But then
I’m skeptical about whether any start page outside of MyYahoo! and iGoogle will ever be a hit outside of the geek set.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647133 Andrew Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:06:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647133 I have heard the round was for $4.5 mill. The investment was probably based largely on the founders' experience and network (CEO of BET, and three founders of 360hiphop) rather than the current product... which certainly isn't life-changing! I have heard the round was for $4.5 mill. The investment was probably based largely on the founders’ experience and network (CEO of BET, and three founders of 360hiphop) rather than the current product… which certainly isn’t life-changing!

]]> By: Dawson http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647103 Dawson Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:46:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647103 Cedric, I live in southern UK, and I think like that about 99% of the projects on here. I honestly have NO IDEA how they manage to get funding, let alone funding in the millions as they all do! Bring some VAs down here, we have loads of ORIGINAL, and great startups dying for investment. Cedric, I live in southern UK, and I think like that about 99% of the projects on here. I honestly have NO IDEA how they manage to get funding, let alone funding in the millions as they all do! Bring some VAs down here, we have loads of ORIGINAL, and great startups dying for investment.

]]> By: Rajeev http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647101 Rajeev Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:45:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647101 Boss, Communities are serious opportunities. http://tekno-world.blogspot.com Boss,

Communities are serious opportunities.

http://tekno-wo...ld.blogspot.com

]]> By: cedric http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647080 cedric Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:31:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647080 God you're so lucky to be american! Nobody would ever be able to raise one single dollar for such a project here in France... God you’re so lucky to be american!
Nobody would ever be able to raise one single dollar for such a project here in France…

]]> By: Mark http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647053 Mark Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:17:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647053 I've used the application and while it is a great attempt, I feel that it is messy, slow, and falls short of its goal to provide a one page source of hip hop news. I’ve used the application and while it is a great attempt, I feel that it is messy, slow, and falls short of its goal to provide a one page source of hip hop news.

]]> By: ProHipHop: Hip Hop Business http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647045 ProHipHop: Hip Hop Business Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:10:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647045 <strong>Global Grind Launches w/TechCrunch Coverage...</strong> Global Grind launched today with one of the greatest endorsements in tech blogging, attention from TechCrunch. I'll get back to you on this one but I do want to point out that hip hop magazines and news sites that added groups of bloggers could have h... Global Grind Launches w/TechCrunch Coverage…

Global Grind launched today with one of the greatest endorsements in tech blogging, attention from TechCrunch. I’ll get back to you on this one but I do want to point out that hip hop magazines and news sites that added groups of bloggers could have h…

]]> By: Dennis Eusebio http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647031 Dennis Eusebio Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:56:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647031 I love how "rap beef" has its own tab. I love how “rap beef” has its own tab.

]]> By: Clyde Smith http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/comment-page-1/#comment-1647026 Clyde Smith Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:54:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/26/global-grind-ajax-finally-for-the-hip-hop-demographic/#comment-1647026 Michael, what do you think about the $4.5 million round that PEhub claimed? http://www.thealarmclock.com/mt/archives/2007/08/jim_breyer_goes.html Is that a likely figure? Michael, what do you think about the $4.5 million round that PEhub claimed?

http://www.thea...reyer_goes.html

Is that a likely figure?

]]>