help further developing idea

[turbocivic16]

getting to the point, i have an idea for a website i would like to create and wanted to get any constructive criticism or advice i could before i look into things further.

basically the site would be for my college specifically, and it would be just a general info site + more. for instance, i was thinking about having all the latest news about the sports teams, programs, and events going on...where and when to get free food and stuff on and around campus, local job listings for students, info including organizations and frats/sororities, listing for home cash tourney poker games/parties, and lots of pictures of campus and active students like at parties and on campus, and all the latest campus gossip/news, local for sale/book exchange ect...

i was thinking about getting most of this up and going myself, and maybe paying students for party pictures (with waiver and rights of course, like 1$ for each photo i want to use) and get local businesses to advertise on the site for like 30-50$ a month

i would advertise via my social network on facebook, and flyers on and around campus as i am very connected by means of many organizations

any thoughts or suggestions?

[sparxxdesign]

Sounds like a good idea. Are your web deisgn/ programming skills developed enough to accomplish this? If not you may need to enlist a skilled web developer or firm. Make sure you have a solid marketing plan before you approach local businesses with advertising solicitations. Since it's a start-up, you won't have a traffic history to sell from so you'll have to sell them on your marketing plan. As far as naming the website, consider long term branding viability, as this could easily extend to other universities.

[caniacpack]

I think it's an interesting idea, I know that a couple of the ACC schools have very active on-line forum sites that are not affiliated with the respective universities.

The biggest problem I see is that you will be directly competing with Facebook. Most college students spend a ton of their free time on there and use Facebook as a means of coordinating the type of stuff you're talking about. Football schedules are posted, party pictures, food events, etc.

You may consider approaching local businesses and offering a consultation service of helping them get a presence on Facebook and to organize their events (book sales, food coupons, etc.).

[turbocivic16]

awesome feedback guys, thanks. as far as naming, i'm playing with some ideas, but can't really seem to hit something catchy and brandy.

facebook would be my main competitor, but i guess the thing i have to offer most is one single page where everyone can look things up (events, pictures, ect) as with facebook you have to creep on many peoples pages to find everything you are looking for.

i like the consulting idea, but i dont believe i have enough to offer the businesses in order for them to commit to that service