Another week, another sports-focused social networking site to check out. It seems like ever since we posted about Takkle.com in December (right when they announced their deal with Sports Illustrated, which was brilliant, by the way), we've been getting emails to check out a ton of niche sports sites, many of which say they have some social networking tools, but for the most part, only a couple really do. The real challenge besides unique functionality is attracting an audience. So why are we writing about another niche sports site? Although Takkle remains our favorite, Sportsvite isn't your typical sports-focused social networking site, it has a unique value proposition to its audience (that doesn't necessarily just have to be teens and young adults, I could see the service being popular in metro centers among twentysomethings as well). Essentially, Sportsvite connects like minded individuals (read: those people into the same types of sports) in local markets. The site says it is challenging for people to organize games whether it be soccer or volleyball in bigger cities or larger market areas and Sportsvite helps facilitate those connections. If anything it's closer to that shared-taxi cab online service we wrote about months ago than something like Takkle where you aren't making physical connections per se. We are going to keep tinkering around the site the rest of the week, we do think it is pretty cool and we do think it has some promise, it is more of a question if they can get an audience using its services before the money runs out.
I just checked out this site, and it looks like they totally revamped the design. I have to say I normally don't care much for these networks, but this site looks awesome!
And the best part is that I emailed them some feedback about features I felt were missing, and someone wrote me back in less than 20 minutes with a whole slew of stuff they have in the works. We'll see how much the implement, but the fact that I got such a quick response is refreshing. I'd definitely keep an eye on these guys...
Posted by: Fred | February 27, 2007 at 03:33 AM