Buzznet

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Please improve this article if you can. (October 2007)

Buzznet.com is a photo, journal, and video-sharing social media network. Likened to other social networking sites, Buzznet is a place for members to share content based on their personal interests. However, unlike classic social networks, which focus primarily on messaging and profile pages, Buzznet members participate in communities that are created around ideas, events and interests; most predominantly, music, celebrities and the media. Buzznet’s interest-based community structure connects individuals who share the same passions.

1 History
2 Buzznet overview
3 Partnerships
4 External links
5 References

[edit] History

Buzznet.com was founded by Marc Brown, Steve Haldane, Kevin Woolery and Anthony Batt. The site officially launched in 2005 when the company received private funding from Anthem Venture Partners.^[1] Before the end of 2005, newspapers and journalists utilized Buzznet’s photo galleries. Newspapers that joined Buzznet for its photo-sharing capabilities include the Houston Chronicle for Hurricane Rita coverage, the Miami Herald for Hurricane Wilma coverage, and the Biloxi, Miss. Sun-Herald for Hurricane Katrina coverage.^[2]

According to a March Hitwise report, in February 2007 Buzznet’s site visits more than doubled. The report deemed Buzznet the fastest growing social media community on the Internet.^[3] Continuing to appeal to fans of music and art, Buzznet hosted the official online community for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2007.^[4] Shortly after, in May 2007, Buzznet received a $6 million round of funding from Redpoint Ventures and Buzznet’s previous investors, Anthem Venture Partners.^[5] In July 2007, Tyler Goldman was named CEO.^[6] In April 2008, Buzznet announced the acquisition of the popular music blog Stereogum.^[7] Shortly after, it was revealed Buzznet acquired former Gawker Media music site Idolator.^[8]

[edit] Buzznet overview

[edit] Homepage content

The Buzznet homepage links site viewers to music, pop culture, community, photo, and video pages on Buzznet. On the homepage, recent news about celebrities, musicians and other elements of pop culture is displayed and frequently updated. The homepage also contains a search utility, capable of locating a search query within all Buzznet media. Banners displayed on the homepage link to Buzznet’s contest groups and Buzznet polls. Each Buzznet contest is typically endorsed by a band, celebrity, or record label. Past contests include “Get Dressed by Avril” Merch Model Search, endorsed by pop-rock icon, Avril Lavigne,^[9] and “Feel the Elite Beat” Dance Video Contest sponsored by Nintendo.^[10] The homepage also links to music features, festival updates, and Internet stars.

[edit] User pages

User pages are controlled by individual Buzznet members and can be customized with colors and text. Upon sign in, registered members are prompted to upload videos, photos, or post journals, all of which can be tagged to appropriate tag topic pages.

[edit] Tag topic pages

Tag topic pages house all photos, videos, journals, and links that have been tagged to a particular topic. Topics are most commonly a band, celebrity, or content genre. Tag topic pages also have a user-generated forum that hosts open discussions on subjects related to the tag.

[edit] Group pages

Group pages have features similar to tag topic pages, but are generally more content-specific and exclusive. Buzznet group pages are generally used for contests, events, and fan bases.

[edit] Most "buzzed"

Buzznet members are recognized for their popularity among the Buzznet community based on the amount of buzz they receive. Each photo, video, and journal can receive buzz from other members. To “buzz” a piece of content is to say, “This content is worth seeing.” Top buzz acquirers and top content contributors are recognized throughout the site.

[edit] Artists (bands)

Bands such as All Time Low,^[11] My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars,HIM ^[12] AFI, Cartel,^[13] New Found Glory, Boys Like Girls,^[14] Blaqk Audio,^[15] Anberlin,^[16] Fall Out Boy, and Lostprophets ^[17] maintain user pages and semi-active blogs on Buzznet. A band’s blog activity typically increases while they are on tour.

[edit] Buzznet celebrities

Buzznet features a number of Internet celebrities who can be classified as Internet phenomena. These celebrities post photos, videos and journals to their personal Buzznet user page. Internet celebrities on Buzznet include Clint Catalyst and Jeffree Star.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Buzznet mobile

Buzznet has four different ways to access it through a mobile device. Users can upload content directly via email or with ShoZu, and can access their account with mobile and iPhone versions of the site. With the mobile version, users can update their account, upload photos, and post journals.^[18]

[edit] Partnerships

Buzznet.com has partnered with the Honda Civic Tour and Friends or Enemies.^[19] Like Buzznet, Friends or Enemies is a site that facilitates dialogue between bands and their fans. Bands on Friends or Enemies include Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, and Gym Class Heroes.

Buzznet.com has also partnered with Tila Tequila to create a separate site called tilashotspot.com.^[20]

As of May 5th 2008, Buzznet is partnered with Absolutepunk.net