Comments on: Affluence, The Social Network That Makes Your Life Better … If You’re A Millionaire http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:06:12 -0800 hourly 1 By: Gordon Page http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-3118916 Gordon Page Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:36:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-3118916 It seems that they have resorted to sending out spam for profit: http://www.uploadscreenshot.com/image/43797/606655 Time for the dead pool, the site never took off, now they're going to use/sell our information. It seems that they have resorted to sending out spam for profit:

http://www.uplo...ge/43797/606655

Time for the dead pool, the site never took off, now they’re going to use/sell our information.

]]> By: Tudor http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2747108 Tudor Wed, 13 May 2009 20:02:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2747108 TechCrunch guys! You disappoint me! How can you post an article about a con ? Don't you do your homework ? TechCrunch guys! You disappoint me! How can you post an article about a con ? Don’t you do your homework ?

]]> By: faxmebeer http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2697731 faxmebeer Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:44:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2697731 This is the dumbest site ever (not this one...affluence). I spent five minutes setting up a profile, and somehow they confirmed me as being rich (I said I made a little under $300k per year but I indicated a net worth of about $6 million. I was honest about my education (Masters), though lied about my job (indicated a job in which your income could be extremely high, or low, depending on how good you are). The site says that it runs your information against some sort database or whatever...I'm not sure how I got through. Anyway -- even if I hadn't been let in, "proving" my income would have been a simple matter of filling out a form 1040 and sending it in. The site specifically says to black out all information from financials (or tax forms) but your name, and the actual income number. Rich people fill out the same, readily available, tax forms as the rest of us (and it wouldn't take much to black out all the lines and just fill in the name and gross income lines). Looking through the other members I have little doubt that everyone I've seen was lying to get in -- especially the females, who appear to be an average of 21 years old and all seem to be "life coaches", or "personal managers" of various sorts. This is the dumbest site ever (not this one…affluence). I spent five minutes setting up a profile, and somehow they confirmed me as being rich (I said I made a little under $300k per year but I indicated a net worth of about $6 million. I was honest about my education (Masters), though lied about my job (indicated a job in which your income could be extremely high, or low, depending on how good you are). The site says that it runs your information against some sort database or whatever…I’m not sure how I got through.

Anyway — even if I hadn’t been let in, “proving” my income would have been a simple matter of filling out a form 1040 and sending it in. The site specifically says to black out all information from financials (or tax forms) but your name, and the actual income number. Rich people fill out the same, readily available, tax forms as the rest of us (and it wouldn’t take much to black out all the lines and just fill in the name and gross income lines).

Looking through the other members I have little doubt that everyone I’ve seen was lying to get in — especially the females, who appear to be an average of 21 years old and all seem to be “life coaches”, or “personal managers” of various sorts.

]]> By: Kaz http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2680315 Kaz Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:52:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2680315 Avoid Affluence.org like the plague. Don't sign up for this site, and let others know about this scam. The owner of this site, Scott Mitchell, is well known as one of the webs largest spammers and is also the owner of a large network of hardcore pornography sites. Affluence.org is an apparent attempt to "look legit", while it is most likely a data-mining scheme, or worse. Avoid Affluence.org like the plague.
Don’t sign up for this site, and let others know about this scam.

The owner of this site, Scott Mitchell, is well known as one of the webs largest spammers and is also the owner of a large network of hardcore pornography sites.

Affluence.org is an apparent attempt to “look legit”, while it is most likely a data-mining scheme, or worse.

]]> By: The Velvet Rope of Social Networks « Halogen Network http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2677145 The Velvet Rope of Social Networks « Halogen Network Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:35:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2677145 [...] Affluence, The Social Network That Makes Your Life Better … If You’re A Millionaire (techcrunch.com) [...] [...] Affluence, The Social Network That Makes Your Life Better … If You’re A Millionaire (techcrunch.com) [...]

]]> By: toni http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2654072 toni Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:04:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2654072 I work in the socail network field and agree the site could use a facelift, but anyone who doesn't see the advertising potential a group like this is an idiot. And Affluenct people are just like everyone else. So the comments about how they would or woudn't spend their money is rediculous. Some spend it wisely, some don't. Some like nice things, some don't. Some will join a site like this and some won't. Making sweeping generalizations like some of the comments on her have, is silly. I work in the socail network field and agree the site could use a facelift, but anyone who doesn’t see the advertising potential a group like this is an idiot.

And Affluenct people are just like everyone else. So the comments about how they would or woudn’t spend their money is rediculous. Some spend it wisely, some don’t. Some like nice things, some don’t. Some will join a site like this and some won’t. Making sweeping generalizations like some of the comments on her have, is silly.

]]> By: Patrick Lane http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2634670 Patrick Lane Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:52:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2634670 WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!! NOT THAT AFFLUENT WHENIT COME TO BUILDING THEIR WEBSITE :-) !!!!! THE SITE IS BUILT ON A TEMPLATE A PROGRAMMER FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME CALLED SOCIALENGINE!!!! CHECK IT OUT WWW.SOCIALENGINE.COM WHAT A SCAM INVESTING US$250 FOR THE SITE.."FOR BILLIONAIRES"" HA...HA..MORE LIKE FOR LOOSERS..... ;-)...LOOSERS!!! WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!! NOT THAT AFFLUENT WHENIT COME TO BUILDING THEIR WEBSITE :-) !!!!!

THE SITE IS BUILT ON A TEMPLATE A PROGRAMMER FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME CALLED SOCIALENGINE!!!!
CHECK IT OUT http://WWW.SOCIALENGINE.COM

WHAT A SCAM INVESTING US$250 FOR THE SITE..”FOR BILLIONAIRES”" HA…HA..MORE LIKE FOR LOOSERS….. ;-) …LOOSERS!!!

]]> By: Ken Marshall http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2621807 Ken Marshall Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:54:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2621807 I have been a member of Affluence for months and thought I would share some general thoughts. I think that there may be some misunderstanding of what this network, or at least my experience on it, is all about. It is more about philanthropy and pooling resources to effect positive change in the world then snubbing their nose at the rest of the world. I would say it is more like a virtual country club, but it is much more altruistic than that. To assume that affluence is a network of rich people snubbing their nose at the poor or middle class would be like assuming that ClubMom is a network of Moms snubbing their nose at women who cannot have children. Incidentally, my wife and I cannot conceive and we feel that adoption is not right for us. We have been blessed with some financial success and that presents some unique challenges, obstacles, and opportunities for us. It’s refreshing to be able to share those with people and not get the usual “oh, I wish I had your problems” and “yeah, you have it sooo tough” responses. I’m not defending this but simply trying to share my perspective on the true value proposition of Affluence. I have been a member of Affluence for months and thought I would share some general thoughts. I think that there may be some misunderstanding of what this network, or at least my experience on it, is all about.

It is more about philanthropy and pooling resources to effect positive change in the world then snubbing their nose at the rest of the world.

I would say it is more like a virtual country club, but it is much more altruistic than that.

To assume that affluence is a network of rich people snubbing their nose at the poor or middle class would be like assuming that ClubMom is a network of Moms snubbing their nose at women who cannot have children.

Incidentally, my wife and I cannot conceive and we feel that adoption is not right for us. We have been blessed with some financial success and that presents some unique challenges, obstacles, and opportunities for us. It’s refreshing to be able to share those with people and not get the usual “oh, I wish I had your problems” and “yeah, you have it sooo tough” responses.

I’m not defending this but simply trying to share my perspective on the true value proposition of Affluence.

]]> By: Michael http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2609656 Michael Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:56:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2609656 I can't agree with Arthor enough about aSamllWorld. It has gone quickly downhill. Affluence is an intriguing network and I enjoy spending a lot of time on it. I have met some great people there. If they keep up their filters I think this can be the first major break in social networking since Facebook. I can’t agree with Arthor enough about aSamllWorld. It has gone quickly downhill. Affluence is an intriguing network and I enjoy spending a lot of time on it. I have met some great people there. If they keep up their filters I think this can be the first major break in social networking since Facebook.

]]> By: Arthor Mesinrow http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2609650 Arthor Mesinrow Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:49:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2609650 Validation? This is a captivating approach to social networking. I used to be a member of aSmallWorld but don’t even waste my time going there. Indeed, it has become aUselessWorld filled with average people; the “Joe the plumbers” of the world. This is perfectly acceptable for a Facebook or MySpace that appeal and thrive on the masses, but not for the virtual country club that so many of us are searching for. It is true that wealthy people enjoy spending time on the computer, social networking, watching YouTube videos, and taking in the most massive media frontier the world has ever seen. If I could interact with a group of my peers, facing a similar set of the unique life experiences, circumstances, and opportunities as have even the list bit assuredness that these people are really my peers…then…by all means I am in! For those of you that think I am a snob or isolationists, I would ask you if you think it is wrong for the disabled, Jewish, Police Officers, or any other peer group to have their own social network. I think this business model has extraordinary new business models that can be extended from it. Imagine a social network only for verified Police Officers? To put my money where my mouth is, if anyone is interested, has the background, and is capable of pulling something like that off then please contact me. I would love to finance it! Validation? This is a captivating approach to social networking. I used to be a member of aSmallWorld but don’t even waste my time going there. Indeed, it has become aUselessWorld filled with average people; the “Joe the plumbers” of the world. This is perfectly acceptable for a Facebook or MySpace that appeal and thrive on the masses, but not for the virtual country club that so many of us are searching for. It is true that wealthy people enjoy spending time on the computer, social networking, watching YouTube videos, and taking in the most massive media frontier the world has ever seen. If I could interact with a group of my peers, facing a similar set of the unique life experiences, circumstances, and opportunities as have even the list bit assuredness that these people are really my peers…then…by all means I am in!

For those of you that think I am a snob or isolationists, I would ask you if you think it is wrong for the disabled, Jewish, Police Officers, or any other peer group to have their own social network. I think this business model has extraordinary new business models that can be extended from it. Imagine a social network only for verified Police Officers?

To put my money where my mouth is, if anyone is interested, has the background, and is capable of pulling something like that off then please contact me. I would love to finance it!

]]> By: David Jenkins http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2609472 David Jenkins Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:41:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2609472 I'll bet there are a lot of Scott Mitchell's around. Plus, why do we care? I think you might be a bit of a pump and dumper.... I’ll bet there are a lot of Scott Mitchell’s around. Plus, why do we care?

I think you might be a bit of a pump and dumper….

]]> By: Hmmm..... http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2609037 Hmmm..... Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:15:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2609037 Anyone looked into the background of the CEO, Scott Mitchell? He led a publicly traded company called CGIH now named "kowabunga" that took a nose dive under his watch and then he questionnably sold shares months before his exit & before the stock price tanked, leading to a bismal stock price. He formerly ran adult swinger websites as well -- past 4 year track record not so rosey according to shareholders: http://search.messages.yahoo.com/search?.mbintl=finance&q=scott+mitchell&type=VHOO4jzVWscihlB2.QN.gEnZvrTa7RlHuFTWU.myg3V8jewBMNGQVfYKdAdnIRIJ&action=Search&srch=1&v=_DPNN.XVWsd2_AegzbLvKHiaw1MrzXZ3EnQISGJHpMIF2jcOhzmxmJNpmxevGg--&b=1&within=subject&within=msgtext&showthread=tm&sentiment=0&authoredby=aa&user_profiles=scottgardner44&postedon=pd&sMonth=1&sDay=28&sYear=2009&eMonth=1&eDay=28&eYear=2009 Anyone looked into the background of the CEO, Scott Mitchell? He led a publicly traded company called CGIH now named “kowabunga” that took a nose dive under his watch and then he questionnably sold shares months before his exit & before the stock price tanked, leading to a bismal stock price. He formerly ran adult swinger websites as well — past 4 year track record not so rosey according to shareholders:

http://search.m...&eYear=2009

]]> By: Howard http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2608953 Howard Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:48:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2608953 Hi Stephen, I re-read my comment, and realized that it indeed sounded like spam. You're right. I wasn't touting the Quintessentially service, I was making note of the company and their business model. I don't know how they are as a service, but they seem to have made a business for themselves based on that service (something that Affluence.org will need to do to flourish). I don't represent Quintessentially, nor am I recommending them. I've never been a member. I've only heard of it, and mentioned it because they build a business around their membership base, versus Affluence, which seems to be merely a product at this point. Hi Stephen, I re-read my comment, and realized that it indeed sounded like spam. You’re right. I wasn’t touting the Quintessentially service, I was making note of the company and their business model. I don’t know how they are as a service, but they seem to have made a business for themselves based on that service (something that Affluence.org will need to do to flourish). I don’t represent Quintessentially, nor am I recommending them. I’ve never been a member. I’ve only heard of it, and mentioned it because they build a business around their membership base, versus Affluence, which seems to be merely a product at this point.

]]> By: David Cartel http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2607808 David Cartel Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:05:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607808 Fascinating indeed. I'm currently researching emerging social network models and this is one has been generating a lot of buzz lately. I am assuming that at least 1 in 20 of the people who register get accepted and if that rate is even close to being accurate this site will inevitably generate a lot of angry people who feel quite alienated. In a world of blogs and twits, I wonder how they will manage this. ASmallWorld, the failing social network from years ago, has aBigWorld to manage this. This never worked out for them. Maybe Affluence has a better, bigger idea. Time will tell. But, I have heard many good things about this site for people I know qualify to be members and read some mixed reviews from people I don't think ever got past the home page. Fascinating indeed. I’m currently researching emerging social network models and this is one has been generating a lot of buzz lately. I am assuming that at least 1 in 20 of the people who register get accepted and if that rate is even close to being accurate this site will inevitably generate a lot of angry people who feel quite alienated. In a world of blogs and twits, I wonder how they will manage this.

ASmallWorld, the failing social network from years ago, has aBigWorld to manage this. This never worked out for them. Maybe Affluence has a better, bigger idea.

Time will tell. But, I have heard many good things about this site for people I know qualify to be members and read some mixed reviews from people I don’t think ever got past the home page.

]]> By: ohreally? http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-1/#comment-2607767 ohreally? Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:39:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607767 I drive a Dodge Stratus! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

]]> By: molewhacker http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-1/#comment-2607750 molewhacker Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:23:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607750 I'm still waiting for that damn nano... I’m still waiting for that damn nano…

]]> By: Chris Dessi http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2607723 Chris Dessi Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:45:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607723 This is facinating. I have family member who owns and operates her own concierge business here in New York City, and despite our current economic climate her business is booming. This model for social networks seems to tap into the ultimate 80/20 rule. The reality is: wealthy people spend money. They like being taken care of, and they will pay a premium for it. I think it's going to be interesting to learn if these networks ever get hacked, and or ever sell access to their databses- I'd assume this database of information is worth a lot of money to many people. This is facinating. I have family member who owns and operates her own concierge business here in New York City, and despite our current economic climate her business is booming. This model for social networks seems to tap into the ultimate 80/20 rule. The reality is: wealthy people spend money. They like being taken care of, and they will pay a premium for it. I think it’s going to be interesting to learn if these networks ever get hacked, and or ever sell access to their databses- I’d assume this database of information is worth a lot of money to many people.

]]> By: AK http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-1/#comment-2607121 AK Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:15:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607121 Hey JLC can you approve us or recommend us ..so we can get on faster? Hey JLC can you approve us or recommend us ..so we can get on faster?

]]> By: <fb:name linked="false" useyou="false" uid="1598058124">Richard Hancock</fb:name> http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2607113 Richard Hancock Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:10:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2607113 Frankly, I didn't see much of anything worth while. Just a place "to be seen." Shortly after posting this they actually yanked my membership. It doesn't really matter much anyways. Here in about 3 months, what I posted would be true. :) The site is actually quite slow for being PHP. I wouldn't waste my time with it even when I have the money. Frankly, I didn’t see much of anything worth while. Just a place “to be seen.” Shortly after posting this they actually yanked my membership.

It doesn’t really matter much anyways. Here in about 3 months, what I posted would be true. :)

The site is actually quite slow for being PHP. I wouldn’t waste my time with it even when I have the money.

]]> By: DougS http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606795 DougS Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:28:11 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606795 Big difference here is that Affluence seems to be free, whereas Quintessentially is not. Big difference here is that Affluence seems to be free, whereas Quintessentially is not.

]]> By: Kevin Hurst http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606786 Kevin Hurst Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:13:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606786 I applied three times, and only got accepted after the third try and I had to speak to someone on the phone and fax a document to them. The entire process took almost a few days. It would be nice if they turned these around quicker if they want to continue to be successful! I applied three times, and only got accepted after the third try and I had to speak to someone on the phone and fax a document to them. The entire process took almost a few days.

It would be nice if they turned these around quicker if they want to continue to be successful!

]]> By: RicardoLims http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606778 RicardoLims Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:08:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606778 I was rejected also :( And I borderline qualify. I was rejected also :( And I borderline qualify.

]]> By: Karen S. http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606771 Karen S. Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:01:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606771 @Richard Can you tell us about the features/functionality? I entered all high information and I got rejected. @Richard

Can you tell us about the features/functionality? I entered all high information and I got rejected.

]]> By: Stephen http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606766 Stephen Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:58:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606766 I was a member of quintessentially's completely useless service. I spent my $40k and got nothing for it. Howard - this board is no place for spam. Go away. I was a member of quintessentially’s completely useless service. I spent my $40k and got nothing for it.

Howard – this board is no place for spam. Go away.

]]> By: Howard http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/25/affluence-the-social-network-that-makes-your-life-better-if-youre-a-millionaire/comment-page-2/#comment-2606735 Howard Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:42:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=39317#comment-2606735 Check out Quintessentially (http://www.quintessentially.com/). They've been around for a couple years, and have concierge phone service in top destinations around the world. Members pay a membership fee in the thousands for unlimited usage. It's like the Black Card from Amex, without the card. Affluent people don't join socialnets for the sake of doing it. They spend their money and expect something out of it. (No, I'm not one of these "affluent people" =) Check out Quintessentially (http://www.quin...ssentially.com/). They’ve been around for a couple years, and have concierge phone service in top destinations around the world. Members pay a membership fee in the thousands for unlimited usage. It’s like the Black Card from Amex, without the card. Affluent people don’t join socialnets for the sake of doing it. They spend their money and expect something out of it. (No, I’m not one of these “affluent people” =)

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