Buddystumbler Combines Social Networking And IM
Duncan Riley
11 comments »
Buddystumbler is a newly launched (out of beta) social networking site that focuses on Instant Messaging (IM) contacts.
Users create profiles that include the typical social networking features of photos, descriptions, and interests. Buddystumbler then offers an interface that enables searching of user profiles, interests and location, sort of part Meetro, part Facebook. The search option itself feels more like a dating site, asking whether you’re a guy or gal looking to hook up with a guy or gal (their choice of words), although keyword and tag searches are also available.
Once connecting with someone on Buddystumbler, users can contact their new found friends via a supported chat platform, by leaving a message or giving them a “High 5.” Platforms supported include AOL, Yahoo, MSN and Google.
Sunnyvale based founder Han-Shen Yuan created Buddystumbler to allow “more people to interact with each other, in communicating online,” by which I presume he meant IM. If you’re heavily into instant messaging (and generally speaking that will mean you’re more likely younger than me) Buddystumber may be worth a look.
Thanx for the info Duncan, this sounds interesting. Also have you heard of Cre8buzz.com, its going public on October 7th. Pretty sure you already knew that but just wondering anyway
How big is their current user base? It is a similar concept to i’m in like with you (iilwy) which reminds me of “SuperPoke meets Craigslist Personals”. The problem with iilwy — and this is most likely because of their closed beta status, is that the user base is weak. I like the idea of these sites but they need real members that enjoy using the service.
A good idea in principle and should be good for those wanting more from instant messaging - search for profiles, interests etc.
All of this social networking stuff is just a passing fad!
We at MS know what people want, they want privacy
not social sharing!
Buy our OS and be all by yourself, now that’s the ticket baby!
http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com
Thanks Duncan for giving us a plug!
My name is Han, and I started the site with Yim and Rajesh.
To answer Dweezel’s question, we have have almost 10,000 registrations over the lifetime of the site and at any point in time there are about 30% of those users that are visible. We aggressively validate email because we want to insure that real people sign up for the site and are well-intentioned.
Dweezel’s absolutely right in that the site’s ultimate value is a function of its user base. I can personally attest to the fact that I’ve met great people on buddystumbler (my profile: viper) that are good quality folks from around the country.
We’re definitely the little guy in the social networking pond - but we believe that our angle can help two people build a real connection much faster than any other message-based medium. Hopefully the extra attention with the official launch will help us cross the chasm! Beyond that, the three of us take great pride in the fact that we have users tell us that they’ve made friends on the site and have developed deep relationships with each other.
We’re also already planning a major release to go live before 2008 closes - so please keep an eye on us and help spread the word!
Thanks!
Han Yuan
(founder, buddystumbler.com)
i think its stupid, i’m disappointed you didn’t rip it apart
good god, arent we done with “social networking” sites yet?
I actually had this Idea, but I just assume that Myspace or someone developing facebook apps would close this angle out.
I feel that the idea is quite innovative. Being an early user of using chat rooms such as IRC, AOL, since they’ve dissipated, it’s been hard to find a good network that allows the communication of meeting people through im. I browsed through buddystumbler and tried it out and chatted with other females out there. It’s actually not bad, no hostility involved or anything awkward.
With 8hands you can IM with all your friends from different networks too! but 8hands also provides notifications upon any comment or message on any of your profiles.