Article from The Drum
Thu 14 Jan 2010
Rippleffect develops new social marketing site bongal.com
Digital / UK
A new networking site, bongal.com, is set to launch next month which aims to connect people without depending on matching their interests or locations.
Created by Liverpool digital agency Rippleffect, the agency has also developed a video campaign to raise awareness of the site and encourage feedback to aid its development. Competitions will also be run ahead of the launch.
Rory Marshall, co-founder of bongal.com, said: “Bongal.com is designed for the people by the people. It helps bridge social gaps, bringing together like-minded people who have similar interests, opinions and experiences – creating a platform to meet, chat and discover.
“The difference between bongal.com and other social network sites is its ability to educate and encourage people to share knowledge about specific areas of interest. Be it fashion, beauty, the arts or leisure activities such as mountaineering.
“There are no limits to its communication, you don’t have to know somebody or have an association with them, you simply have to have an interest. An intelligent database collects all user information and connects you to people with similar hobbies, ideas and views.”
Rory Marshall, co-founder of bongal.com, said: “Bongal.com is designed for the people by the people. It helps bridge social gaps, bringing together like-minded people who have similar interests, opinions and experiences – creating a platform to meet, chat and discover.
“The difference between bongal.com and other social network sites is its ability to educate and encourage people to share knowledge about specific areas of interest. Be it fashion, beauty, the arts or leisure activities such as mountaineering.
“There are no limits to its communication, you don’t have to know somebody or have an association with them, you simply have to have an interest. An intelligent database collects all user information and connects you to people with similar hobbies, ideas and views.”
Social Networking
What Is Social Networking?
Social Networking - perhaps you've heard of it before, but are not quite sure what it means.
Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences about any number of topics. . . from golfing, gardening, developing friendships and professional alliances.
When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them.
The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity because the internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark. Not only will you make new friends, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or new languages and learning is always a good thing.
As mentioned, social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or organizations together. While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites without a main focus are often referred to as "traditional" social networking websites and usually have open memberships. This means that anyone can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create your own network of friends and eliminate members that do not share common interests or goals.
As I'm sure you're aware, there are dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses, which are on the rise. The most prevalent danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists with networking out in the real world, too. Just like you're advised when meeting strangers at clubs and bars, school, or work -- you are also advised to proceed with caution online. By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. It will take many phone conversations to get to know someone, but you really won't be able to make a clear judgement until you can meet each other in person. Just use common sense and listen to your inner voice; it will tell you when something doesn't feel right about the online conversations taking place.
Once you are well informed and comfortable with your findings, you can begin your search from hundreds of networking communities to join. This can easily be done by performing a standard internet search. Your search will likely return a number of results, including MySpace, FriendWise, FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360, Facebook, Orkut, and Classmates.
The bongal iPod Touch Competition
Thank you for all your support. We promise we will be delivering an awesome site in February 2010.
Take the Headache out of Social Networking
Are YOU getting sick of logging into social networking sites and for some unknown reason - the way it works has been changed yet again?Finding your friends and photos becomes a chore, I mean, you've only just familiarized yourself with the changes they made a few weeks ago!
There is no need to worry about that happening with bongal. Over a year of research and design has ensured the perfection of the layout, whilst still allowing users to take full advantage of all the interesting features.
The colour scheme, location of buttons, menus etc.. all make the exploration of the site as easy to use as possible. It also contains numerous helpful tutorials to all those new users, rather than lengthy instructions. In other words bongal aims to please.
Everyone here at bongal is very excited about the launch so that WE can show YOU what we have been working on for all this time.
Roll on February 15th!!!!
