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CenterNetworks First Year Anniversary
I am very excited to share the news that we have reached the 1st anniversary of CenterNetworks! I really can't believe it, but it is here. Some of you have asked me where the idea for CenterNetworks came from. Here is a bit of the backstory.
My friend Darshan Somashekar and I sat at a diner in NYC in late July 2006 discussing the idea of creating a social media site. He was behind the idea but kept saying it probably wouldn't work because it's nearly impossible to break into the elite set as there is a cartel-like structure. However, one of the lessons I have learned over the past few years (wish I would have learned this earlier in life!) is to just do it now. No matter who tells you no, if you believe something can work, do it. And do it now. I believe the differentiating factor for CN is that I offer an interesting perspective based on my background as a marketer and public accountant/auditor. I look at each story with three hats on: technology, marketing and business.
While my favorite job has been my time with the NY Transit Authority, this comes in a very close second. It is exactly where I want to be now and I have enjoyed working on CN every day since the launch, whether it's the programming, content or business aspects. I love writing, reading and interacting online.
Some interesting notes:
- First review was Digg.
- First interview was with Ted Rheingold from Dogster. I remember sitting there waiting for him in a San Francisco cafe thinking, "I hope I can do this" and it actually went very well. Ted was a great sport even with my technical problems.
- Most dugg story: Dear Kevin Rose, we need a pictures section – 8,000+ diggs!
- Most popular posts: My Life Without Google, GTD: Getting Things Done Primer and True Cost of the iPhone
- Most fun post: Web 2.0 Burger Menu Suggestions
- Most controversial posts: Morgan Webb Launches WebbAlert and Amanda Congdon: A Disgrace
I don't even know where to begin with thanks but here goes. If I left anyone out, I apologize.
Mark Langeneck – my closest friend – lives 4500 miles away but knows me better than I know myself. He did the initial (green) design and this awesome new blue design. His ability to think about what goes into a design is better than any designer (500+) I have ever worked with. He loves Elvis but I have gotten over it.
Darshan, Patricia, Till, Corsin, Chris, Jake, James, Stephanie, Matt, Andreas, Mena, Steve – you are my support network. Thanks for letting me vent when I need to and all of the excellent advice to improve.
To the great sponsors over the year, thanks for the monetary support. But even more than that, each one of you have provided insight into making CN better which has helped to greatly improve the product.
Wingsix – they host CN and have provided excellent support over the year. Their support team is in house, gets to know you on a first-name basis and is always around when we get Dugg or some traffic burst. FYI, we run Drupal as the CMS.
And to all of the readers, linkers, fellow bloggers I say thank you. Each time I see a new page view, a new link or a comment, it just makes my day. The people aspect is the best part about CN. I have enjoyed meeting so many people offline at various events.
One of the things I learned in corporate life is that you must celebrate your successes. And to that end, I will be posting details this Friday about the first CenterNetworks Mixer in NYC. It will be held on September 27th and we will start with about 125 invitees. If you are on the RSS feed, you will get first dibs at tickets (which are free). Sponsor plug coming: If you are interested in sponsoring the event, let me know. We have a variety of exciting opportunities available.
And we have more exciting ideas coming, this is just the beginning. I will be posting a survey later this week to learn more about what is working and what areas need improvement. You know what you want better than I do so help me meet your needs.
The next twelve months should prove interesting as we attempt to move up the ladder. The rungs become harder to climb but together we shall get up there. Again, thank you for your patronage during the past year and I look forward to serving you in the coming year.
Congrats Allen… lookin forward to another year!
——
Wacky Labs — This is supposed to look like a sig!
Thanks Jimmy – you rock!
We had a CN forum for a while but I turned it off because the Drupal forum software is not very good. But it is on the list to re-add soon. Thanks for the suggestion!
That’s awesome! I’m curious, so maybe you could write a little about your growth arc. How many months did it take you to see some good (I don’t know how to define good for you, so it’s whaever you think) repeat traffic?
here’s wishing you a a good second year!
Robert
Congrats Allen on a wonderful year! I love reading you unique perspective & knowledgeable insights on the web world happenings. I was surprised to read that its the first anniversary, I would think it would take years to get to this point … just shows how wonderful CN really is!
PS: really wish there was CN Mixer in LA :)
Forgot to add: How about a CN forum? Would be great to touch base with other CN members, exchange tips etc
Thanks for the kind words. Yep, just one year and virtually no one even knew me before I started!
A mixer in LA – hrm, something to consider for next time!
Thank you for the shout out (and of course linking to Industry Girl, hehe). You know I love CN and am behind you 100%! As one of my good guy friends who has endured all kinds of things with me (hehe) I love you and I’m very proud to see your site become so big and so prominent!!!
Here’s to another amazing ten years for CN!!!
wowza – very cool, go party with 50 cent or something! can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Congratulations, Allen…Keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll have no trouble moving up the ladder. You provide a unique perspective on many well covered stories, and that sets you apart from the crowd.
Thanks Todd, I appreciate the feedback!
Nice one Allen! Keep it up!
Thanks Richard, I have really enjoyed getting to know you over the year!
Congrats Allen, CN rocks and keep up the good work.
Awesome milestone Allen! Congrats on a great year…love reading your coverage of the space every day. Rock on!
Thanks Peter – enjoyed meeting you in NYC in June – boy how time flies!
Thanks Tim! Mixer details coming Friday :) There is an embargo on the news until then!
wow congratulations! feels like you travel at the ray of light with CenterNetworks, cant wait to read details on the Mixer :)
Congratz Allen, I am glad you started it. I Didn’t realise that Ted Rheingold interview was so early on. Heres to another 12 months
/me Raises Virtual Beer Glass
Thanks Darren, yep, amazing that Ted was a year ago next week. I can still remember it just like it was yesterday.
Thanks Dennis – you and Jason have been a great resource for me, I appreciate it very much!
Congratulations
Congratulations! Keep up the good work Allen and thanks for your support and advice through the past year as well!