MeetMoi location based mobile dating

Back in 2001 I was working for some folks experimenting with WAP user generated content.  At the time we were running WAPdrive.com — a service that allowed users to create their own web pages for cell phones.  During a meeting one of the managers presented this idea of being able to set your cell phone to find a date.  The user would create a profile of themselves and what kind of match they would be interested in.  The service then would use the cell network to find the user a match in a given radius.  Very cool but way ahead of it’s time — I’m happy to see that this much needed service is now available.  Check out MeetMoi.com.

Here are some links to lists of other cell social applications:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/10_mobile_social_networks_redux.php

http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/11/the-holy-grail-for-mobile-social-networks/

Thoughts:

• Social Networks are very hot right now.  Application publishers, media buyers, and big brands are all looking to find ways to tap into the audience.  Problem is the Social Networks aren’t profitable and the users aren’t receptive to ads.  Check out this post predicting trouble for Facebook by Tameka Kee. (link). Expect the mobile social network space to have the same difficulties.
• That said,  there is something fundamentally different between a PC based social network and a mobile one.  Specifically the fact that you are mobile — and now that the devices are aware of location there is a lot of cool this to be had.
• If you’re looking for the next big thing keep an eye on Mobile Social Networks.
• When a colleague has a wacky idea that seems 5 years too early — make a note of it and set a reminder to ping you in 5 years.