WebTribes is a nimble online social networking site focused on several life-consuming ailments. We interviewed Ryan FitzGerald:1. What was the impetus behind WebTribes?
ANSWER: In 2005, my wife and I developed a social networking site for students with dyslexia to blog and network comfortably online. "JumbledLetters," was met with a small but enthusiastic response. Members felt it unique and refreshing to have a place to come where their disability was viewed as normal and they could express themselves honestly and without judgment.
Since that initial realization, we have worked to develop safe, convenient,easy-to-navigate tribes focused on bringing together like-minded individuals.
2. Are you bootstrapped, or VC-backed?
ANSWER: We had an offer from a VC last summer, but have elected to bootstrap the company for the time being. We will likely need VC funding at some point, but feel we can keep things lean as we grow organically while simultaneously increasing our valuation.
3. What are your target Health 2.0 areas today, and how might that change going forward?
ANSWER: WebTribes is a network of online community support sites focused on individuals with "life-consuming" ailments such as Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and HIV/Aids. Going forward, we will continue to focus on underserved communities in need. Our communities currently include:
* www.AddictionTribe.com
* www.DepressionTribe.com
* www.AnxietyTribe.com
* www.OCDTribe.com
* www.HIVAidsTribe.com.
4. How are you monetizing your web properties?
ANSWER: We are represented by an advertising network whose sole focus is the health industry. Since our websites are very targeted, it is important we show relevant and useful advertisements for our members. In addition, such specific targeting can command a premium in the industry. Longer-term we are looking at expanding our reach to lifestyle products and research.
5. What do you see as your differentiation versus other community players in Health 2.0?
ANSWER: The big difference is that each ailment has its own unique website (tribe). We really feel this builds a deeper and more connected community. All encompassing health communities by definition do not create this deep sense of community; their members may empathize with one another but often they cannot completely relate. If a member is dealing with something as personal as depression, they may not want another member who's in the community for
asthma or relationship issues stumbling across their personal information and journals.
Our tribes are also unique in that members' can design their personal profile page with creative colors, artwork, background images, videos and music - similar to MySpace. This allows members to really express themselves. We also offer all the latest social networking features
including blogs, forums, friends list, groups, comments, messaging, chat, tribe vibes (inspirational messages), over 600 games, privacy settings, gallery, events and more.
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