Although the social networks on Internet have brought us all together and have made sharing easy, there are some downsides to it as well – the primary one being the fact that everyone can make a profile and that imparts a bit of issues, doesn’t it? What if we want a social platform which is a bit exclusive? Netropolitan, a Facebook alternative, is one such new social networking website that targets only the ultra-rich. It has been described as ‘the online country club for people with more money than time.’ The joining fee for this website is $9,000 with an annual membership fee being $3,000.
The founder of this website, James Touchi-Peters, has assured us that the website is quite real and it is not a prank. He said, “This is 100 % real, and I believe there is a need and an audience for this service.” He is 48 years old and is a composer and former conductor of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra. The idea for Netropolitan came up when the founder had problems in relating with people he met on the current social media websites.
He further asserted, “I saw a need for an environment where you could talk about the finer things in life without backlash – an environment where people could share similar likes and experiences.” The website has been deliberately made expensive so as to ensure that the membership remains private and exclusive.
Netropolitan functions in the same way as current social networks do with some minor changes; you have to be at least 21 years old in order to register and your real name is required for registration. Apart from that, there are no ads running on this service. The site and content of the site won’t be indexed by search engines and shall be monitored by active moderators ready to take action against spamming, etc.
The website states, “Our Member Service Associates will not book you a charter jet, or find you tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. They exist solely to help members technically navigate and find their way around the social club.”
According to Touchi-Peters, “We view Netropolitan club in the same light as any country club out there. They have initiation fees and yearly dues for members. Netropolitan is an online country club, focused on connecting members around the world. We believe there is a need for a community like this, and we are filling the need.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FM8_V8xZj0