Social Travel Networks: Do We Need Another?
By Ubertramp • Jul 6th, 2007 • Category: Travesphere
With the internet running head on into its Web 2.0 phase, we’re seeing social networks popping up all over the shop. A little while ago I even flirted with the idea of jumping on the bandwagon and creating a community aspect on ubertramp.com. But, after seeing just what else was already on offer among the other social networking sites (especially those focussing more on backpacking and travel), I decided that my time would be better spent reading Strunk & White’s ‘Elements of Style’, improving me grammer n spelling, and attempting to polish my writing skills. Although some of you may find this hard to accept, I feel there is still room for further improvement…
Initially, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to create a community to bring together likeminded traveling bums, but after a few searching questions I realised that one more backpacking/travel community would be just that – one more backpacking/travel community adding to the already substantial list. Realising that I had nothing more to offer than that which was already out there, I decided to shelve the idea. Also, running a successful network takes time and dedication. Time, I have by the wheelbarrow load, but dedication? Sadly, I know myself all too well - and I fall way short of the mark on that one. For now, at least, I’ll be sticking with the current Web 1.1-and-a-half internet dinosaur that is Ubertramp.com and steadily pumping out more of the same pointless pulp that I, and hopefully our devoted readers (!?!), enjoy. It’s a formula that allows me to regularly free myself from the web shackles, get away from the PC, and to do more of what this site is all about – traveling and backpacking. Amen to that.
So, back to the original point - do we really need more Social Travel Networks? The answer, surprisingly, is yes.
If a Travel Network has something different to offer, or is in a particular niche, then I believe it has the potential for success. One such networking site is the Khao San Road Community. Now, the only reason I discovered it was because of an email invite from an existing member. Had I simply Googled up ‘Travel Community’ then I would have either got bogged down in the quagmire of community heavyweights populating the first few pages of search results or I’d have ended up growing dreadlocks, wearing hand knitted woolly jumpers, and living in woods in on the outskirts of Hampshire. Either way, with the KSR Community only being so recently established, it was always going to fly under the radar.
This network does have something different to offer. It has found the proverbial empty seat on the seemingly overcrowded Travel Community bus. As it gains momentum I see it offering more and more to the potential backpacker. If you are planning to travel around Southeast Asia - and you are of a Web Community persuasion - then you should definitely check it out.
Ubertramp is the brainchild of freelance travel writer and inveterate cheapskate Nath Richards.
On occasion, he's been known to write for cash, food or friends - but never to flash for coins or publicity. If you enjoy his articles and want one for your own publication then drop him a line. Unless hungry, he's quite approachable.
Email this author | All posts by Ubertramp
Tell me about it, there has been such an explosion of online communities lately, it is amazing. And, I think you hit it on the head, that yes, despite all the communities that already exist, there is still room for more, if it’s something different.
I think it’s important to remember that the internet is still on infant. While your a hillbilly in the US or Western Europe if you don’t have a high speed internet connection, there are billions of people around the world that still have not gotten connected. However, with the rise of newly “affluent” countries like China and India, the number of online users is steadily increasing everyday.
Furthermore, even those of us who have had internet in our home since the early 1990’s are just now becoming accustomed to the whole Web 2.0 idea, learning how it works, and realizing that it can be extremely helpful and just plain entertaining. As the idea continues to catch on, we can see an evergrowing market of customers, which results in the continued expansion of online communities.
But, enough of my rambling, in two words “I agree”!
I would like to see more niche travel networking sites. Specifically, a site dedicated to not only travel but more focused on living and working overseas. There are a few that exist but most are trying to sell real estate or act as a job find service.
Best,
Mark
http://www.mytropicalescape.com
I have a hard time wading through the networking sites to find things that are of interest to me. It’s like you said about using “the Google” to find information - you get everything. And note that you found what was useful to you by invite/word of mouth, NOT by random searching. Khao San Road is REALLY specific - and that’s what makes it valuable. The cool thing about 2.0 is the connectivity - Khao San Road finds YOU rather than you finding them, you know?
Blah blah blah. What you said.
[…] Meinung ist der Blogger ubertramp.com, der die Khao San Road Community als gelungenes Beispiel einer Nischen-Community […]
Lot of communities don`t really mean you will find one you feel you should be there. Every mind has its own thoughts as every community has. There`s always a room for the new one.