On September 30th 2006, I joined asmallworld.net (asw) and I have to admit, it was pretty exciting. It was like I had the entire European world at my fingertips. At first, I spent more time on there than on Facebook and liked comparing the site to the “Bungalow 8 of the internet“….or at least the idea of the Bungalow 8...or at least the idea of what Bungalow 8 used to mean. Now, like Bungalow 8, I’m beginning to wonder if ASW has lost some of its luster and social cachet?
Founder Erik Wachtmeister is a friend of mine and, last fall, over drinks at Rose, I asked him some pressing questions: why did it take so long for you guys to start emailing us updates, when are you going to clean up the site’s blank pages, why are you letting so many people join? He answered all of these question and, since that time, asw has immensely improved as a website.
So, why am I not using it anymore? Is it because I am too overloaded with other stuff, (facebook, blogs, tumblrs, twitters, aprivateclub, hamptonsundercover, etc.)? Do I just not have any use for it as I am not globe-trotting much these days? (the site has always been extremely useful for me in the past when traveling internationally). Has the prestige of being on ASW melted away much like my mascara last night in the muggy heat of the city?
OR- has everyone stopped using it?
Gawker has been quick to point out the defects in Asmallworld’s business plans, yet I want to know what everyone else thinks….Are you guys still using ASW??? Has it met the same fate as all of its real life counterparts (those hardest to get in hot spots)? Are they short on cash?
I dunno, I think it’s just kind of that the real target demographic of the site isn’t really going to run to sign up for a site like that. You know, don’t want to be part of a club that would have them as a member and all.
And I mean, if someone like ME has a login, then the business plan is obviously broken. I’m a nobody!
Blondie031 July 23, 2008 11:16am
I wouldn’t say ASW is over… As you have pointed out, they are making progress with updating the site. That said, there is still room for improvement.
I haven’t given in to joining any of the other networks like myspace or Facebook. I find that ASW Members are definitely more interesting– the others strike me as being more “stalker-ish” or more of a race to who can have the most friends.
Perhaps part of the problem is that more ASW Members are joining Facebook and myspace and, as a result, sharing a lot of the same information that was once just privy to ASW? Thus this access, combined with perhaps a less strict joining policy, is making ASW seem less exclusive?
Very Linen July 23, 2008 12:02pm
Yawn, ASW over, yada yada, since 2004 people have been saying the same thing every 6 months and the site still appears to be with us. What’s a missing check here and there? They didn’t make a penny until a year ago.
I’m not sure about the fate of ASW. I was on it constantly when I was first invited and now, not so much. It’s great for traveling but other than that, Facebook is where I do my social networking/stalking
Wow… I hope it’s not yet over, though, as I just joined it last December… Though I don’t like some people there who criticize Facebook very much… In any case, I may have to admit that, yes, it may have lost its elegance… As I don’t belong to the richie rich type of people… I’m just someone living a simple life… Oh, well, I’m more active in InterNations.
Where: NESPRESSO Boutique Bar, 92 Prince Street (at Mercer Street), New York, NY (map)
Admission: Ticketed Event
Discription:
The New Yorker’s perenially popular Passport to the Arts event, back for a fifth year, includes a fantastic self-guided tour of leading Chelsea and SoHo galleries, a limited-edition art passport, a cocktail afterparty at Hudson Studios, and a silent auction of works by emerging and established artists, with proceeds to benefit Friends of the High Line.
A new line of clothing, Tom Christopher, a well known artist in NYC, who just teamed up with the eco friendly sustainable company Threads for Thought to launch a line a T-shirts a Macy's and Urban Outfitters.
Where: The Boucarou Lounge, 64 East 1st Street, New York, NY 10003 (map)
Admission: Ticketed Event
Discription:
A beautiful spa event, hosted by Geralyn Lucas, author of Why I Wore to my Mastectomy. Slip into comfortable robes and soft slippers, and embark on a luxurious experience benefiting the cure for breast cancer. Receive top of the line spa treatments (including massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures), have your makeup done by exclusive MAC artists, and have your hair styled by world renowned hair stylist, Sally Hershberger. The most soothing and beautiful way for women to help other women.
Event: Vanier Spa Party, November 7th, 3-10 pm. **RED CARPET 3-4 PM**
686 Lexington Ave. at 57th Street (2nd Floor)
"Spa For The Cure" Treatment Event: Hosted by Nick Brown from the 'Real World' and Sarah Hartshrone from 'America's Next Top Model'. Special appearance from Anthony Stallone (Celebrity Boxer, former WWE) who will be fighting the evening before in Springfield, MA with Rodney King and Jose Conseco.
Special guest speaker: Samantha Daniels (Author, TV Host and Celebrity Match Maker) will be speaking on dating with a Q&A.
Other Special CONFIRMED Celebrities to appear are: Vinny Parco from the Soparnos, Natasha Komis- Musician/Reality Star, To Be a Star cast: Angelina, Miram, Mercedes and Mary Jane , Extra Large-Hip Hop artist EMI, Be Orginal- Hip Hop Artist, Missy Hyatt- World Wrestling Champion, Eriam sisters from America's Got Talent, and Lifetime TV movie author of "Why I wore Red lipstick to my Mastectomy" Geralyn Lucas,
Arrive at 3 pm for a warm welcome, slip into comfortable robes and soft slippers, and embark on a luxurious experience benefiting the cure for breast cancer. Receive top of the line spa treatments (including massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures), have your makeup done by exclusive MAC artists, and have your hair styled by world renowned, Sally Hershberger and Riccardo Maggiore stylists of New York City salons Enjoy:
* Decadent catering and fabulous treats
* Live beauty blogging in our Dell-sponsored computer lounge by top blogging sites reaching +1million readers
* Exclusive tables and product boutiques, where all purchase proceeds will go directly to the charity. Enjoy a Think Pink Boutique from jewelry designers Stella & Dot, with top NYC designers making exclusive clothing to be donated to this event that is not sold anywhere else
*RF Runway Show and After Party: After you have been sufficiently pampered and spoiled, get ready for the after party at 8:30! Dress to impress (cocktail to formal attire preferable), and enjoy...
* A Breast Cancer Research Foundation fashion show! Watch real breast cancer survivors and fighters model BCA related apparel, accessories and fabulous beauty looks!
* A Fight Fashionable Auction: Enjoy bidding on all of the breast cancer fashion, jewels and products used and seen on the runway. All of the proceeds will go directly to the charity
* Enjoy live music and an open bar!
* Fabulous gift bags from our Breast Cancer Awareness sponsors
For tickets and further information please visit: http://www.vanierspa.eventbrite.com
Where: Invite Only, Invite Only , New York, NY (map)
Admission: Invite Only
Discription:
Join Honorary Angel Christie Brinkley and her daughter Sailor for the launch of Tea Party Angels, a fundraising program that asks mothers and daughters to host tea parties in order to raise money for girls in need around the world and to teach girls here about social responsibility. The event at Doubles from 4:00 - 6:00 PM will be a fun-filled tea party with tea-shirt making, face painting and more.
Where: Junc Gallery, 4017 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (map)
Admission: Open
Discription:
We’re turning 5 and we’ve asked our family of incredible artists & Junc Gallery to help us celebrate!
Blood is the New Black & Junc Gallery Present:
Blood is the New Black: 5 Year Anniversary Exhibition
November 7 - December 14, 2009
Opening Reception and Party Saturday November 7, 7-11 pm
4017 Sunset Blvd
Silverlake, CA 90029
http://www.bloodisthenewblack.com
http://www.juncgallery.com
Featuring new work by:
Skinner, Skye Parrott, Keaton Henson, Demonbabies, Porous Walker, Andrea Shear, Jesse Spears, Bryan Ray Turcotte, Brendan Donnelly, Sumi Ink Club, Patrick Jilbert, Sterling Bartlett, Michael Sieben, Jeff P, Dan Monick, Mel Kadel, Travis Millard, Scott Barry, Pete and Jo, Josh Slater, Jason Fischer, Hannah Stouffer, Dylan Haley, & more!
Be sure to check out the Blood is the New Black pop up store opening night with shirts, prints, zines and more!
Beer courtesy of Nakhon Beer and cupcakes from Lemonade (yum!)
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to support the artists we love for the last five years!
We hope we can do even more for our friends in the next five years.
xo
Blood is the New Black
http://www.bloodisthenewblack.com
http://www.twitter.com/bloodyblack
http://www.myspace.com/bloodisthenewblack
http://www.facebook.com/bloodisthenewblack
Honey is a lounge / resturant catering to the locals, foodies and night owls. With exposed brick, warm mahogany paneling, chocolate brown leather banquettes and a 25 foot amber backlit bar, this 3,000 square foot venue is the neighborhood sweet spot!
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benn there commented on BREAKING! The Email Scandal That Just Shook Cornell’s Campus: "Exactly. None of these peoples familes or friends are going to be harmed by thier photos being posted here. If they are ashamed (as they should be) by this being out there for folks like us to view...."
JSimpson commented on BREAKING! The Email Scandal That Just Shook Cornell’s Campus: "Oh please! They deserve whatever they get.
The people I do have sympathy for are his wife and her husband. I hope both of them have already contacted attornies.
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comment on image in NYC Opera Theater Debut Red Carpet gallery:
"Tinsley who do you think you are? Camera crews following you around. I bet the whole opera audience was clueless as to who you are. Im glad GofG shows how things really are and doesn't just post..."
I dunno, I think it’s just kind of that the real target demographic of the site isn’t really going to run to sign up for a site like that. You know, don’t want to be part of a club that would have them as a member and all.
And I mean, if someone like ME has a login, then the business plan is obviously broken. I’m a nobody!
July 23, 2008 11:16am
I wouldn’t say ASW is over… As you have pointed out, they are making progress with updating the site. That said, there is still room for improvement.
I haven’t given in to joining any of the other networks like myspace or Facebook. I find that ASW Members are definitely more interesting– the others strike me as being more “stalker-ish” or more of a race to who can have the most friends.
Perhaps part of the problem is that more ASW Members are joining Facebook and myspace and, as a result, sharing a lot of the same information that was once just privy to ASW? Thus this access, combined with perhaps a less strict joining policy, is making ASW seem less exclusive?
July 23, 2008 12:02pm
Yawn, ASW over, yada yada, since 2004 people have been saying the same thing every 6 months and the site still appears to be with us. What’s a missing check here and there? They didn’t make a penny until a year ago.
I’m not sure about the fate of ASW. I was on it constantly when I was first invited and now, not so much. It’s great for traveling but other than that, Facebook is where I do my social networking/stalking
i wanna test ASW so somebody can help me with an invitation?
Wow… I hope it’s not yet over, though, as I just joined it last December… Though I don’t like some people there who criticize Facebook very much… In any case, I may have to admit that, yes, it may have lost its elegance… As I don’t belong to the richie rich type of people… I’m just someone living a simple life… Oh, well, I’m more active in InterNations.