EXCLUSIVE: Salon is planning a Social Networking site
This is a bit off my beat, but since this is the weekend and I happened to notice this first, I thought I'd launch it into the blogosphere.
It seems as though political/arts/culture news-and-views-site Salon.com is planning a Social Networking Site.
That's obvious after reading the description of a newly posted (today) ad on JournalismJobs.com.
The ad is for a "Manager, Social Networking Site." Not a coder, designer, or writer, but someone to run the thing.
Let's learn more by parsing the ad. It says:
Salon is looking for an experienced, versatile Web veteran who will help direct an ambitious new initiative in social networking.
Key tasks include:
Work closely with editorial, tech, design staff and existing communities to launch product and continue to develop it. This will require detail-oriented project management with tech team, choosing product features and revising through testing and user feedback, and close work with design team before and after launch.
Work with Salon's editorial and marketing staff to develop a marketing plan for the site, with Salon users and the wider Web community.
Consult with sales team to develop ad placement and explore customized products for sponsors.
Serve as an ambassador, creating a home page, blogging and modeling what the service can do. Communicate with users, on and offline. Set community rules and oversee moderation.
Work with editorial team to highlight content on Salon home page and other locations. Help editors and writers as they begin to experiment with calling for content from users.
Qualifications for the job:
3-5 years of online community or relevant Internet experience. * Proven track record in successful product launches, including design, development, user testing and launch. * Experience in managing community based products. * Strong understanding of Web (especially social-networking) technologies. * Journalism/editorial experience a plus.
I have to think that a 2008 election season focus is at least a contributory driver here.
OK, feeling a little guilty for straying some from my beats. So let's reel this one back in to our world, K?
I wonder what communication tools will be used between Members? Third-party IP voice plug-ins, IM windows, texting, Twitter, something proprietary?