Virtual TRIBE

I picked up this month's issue of National Geographic and was shocked to actually find something relevant to new media as one of its feature stories. Two entrepreneurs decided to see what would happen if they started an online community yet called it a Tribe. Members of this "tribe" can create profiles, upload pictures, chat online, and all the usual stuff in an online community. However, this virtual tribe, would actually become a real tribe.
The two entrepreneurs traveled to a desert island and formed a partnership with an indigenous tribe. Their inspiration came in part from social-networking sites such as MySpace and Friendster. They decided to lease a South Pacific Fijian island named Vorovoro for three years. This online tribe steered the development of a real island by making decisions about infrastructure, recreational facilities, rules, and more through discussions and online voting.
Now if this is not new media at work, I don't know what is! This online community can be located at Tribewanted.com and already has 1,025 members since its launch this past spring. Each month one member of Tribewanted.com is elected co-chief of Vorovoro Island and serves alongside the ancestral head of the Fijian island tribe. Check it out if you are interested!

OverheardinAthens

Hey guys,

If you have never heard of Overheardinathens.com, you should really check it out. If you have then you know what I am talking about. This site is a student run site where anyone can post a funny conversation that they overheard somewhere in Athens. This site has gained a lot of interest and popularity. I check it most everyday for a good laugh. I encourage everyone to take a look, as it is a great example of new media in action!

- Leslie

Apple's New Name

I know there is a lot of talk about Apple right now with the unveiling of the iPhone, but the fact that Apple has changed its name to Apple Inc. proves that Apple as a brand has transformed and expanded into so much more than just a computer manufacturer. The technology market should beware the power that Apple's brand now holds. With the introduction of the iPhone consumers are left thinking what could possibly be next? I know that I am anxious to see Steve Jobs' next move and watch Apple grow to an even bigger force to be reckoned with.

Jobs' expects to see over 10 million iPhones sold in 2008. I really wonder if Apple will actually meet that goal. I know stockholders are definately jumping for joy over this one!