Sunday, September 17, 2006

Hi. What do you own? Zebo.com

Zebo.com is myspace with a twist. Members create myspace-like profiles, but the focus of the profile is a list of all the things you own. You can even search to see who owns the same things you do. The site officially launched just last Tuesday, but it looks like its taking off - with posts from young people all around the world. Since its private beta test in January, the site has acquired over 4 million members.

Most of zebo.com's members are between the ages of 18 and 25 making this a website a haven of information for marketers - allowing them to observe the likes, dislikes and trends among a highly desirable demographic. Social pressures to seem "cool" among their peers may encourage users to exaggerate and provide inaccurate listings of what they truly own. Still, even if the listings aren't accurate, the site provides intresting insight into their desires.

On a side note, you have to wonder what kind of message it sends to young people when the entire purpose of the website is touting all the material possessions you own?

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/fashion/17zebo.html

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