[jg_macarthy]

Hi guys,

I currently live in Boston, Ma. One of my favorite things to do is to watch local comedians at the various comedy clubs in Boston. What I would like to do for the comedic community around Boston is to provide a site similar to this where the comedians I know can stay in touch and keep each other updated about events and shows. I was thinking about starting BostonComedian.com and offering a site similar to this to eliminate this issue. I was wondering if anyone could help me as far as the means to get a site like this started, and also any thought on the domain name.

[bdunndchi]

The domain sounds good. Have you checked to make sure there isn't already any site similar to that? If you want to do a forum, you can look into phpBB or vBulletin.

[NeeJam]

Use a myspace like script could be an idea.

OR

you could use a cms and make a portal.

[jg_macarthy]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I know there is currently one site that offers a simple message board (KVTECH) area that is run by a club owner in Boston. What it seems to lack is a type of community feel. Its more of an addition to his club site than it is a community. However, it does its job and turns a bit of traffic which is what initially turned me on to the idea. Also, being a neutral party might play to my advantage. I couldnt see many rival club owners promoting with his forum. Finally, Myspace has added a section called Comedians. I think it will play to my advantage to just go to that section and do a member search within 40 miles of Boston to attract some of the market. While the internet is global I want this to be acutely focused. I feel the market in Boston is large, and I want to have close interaction and understanding of my market.

P.S. What are thoughts on interesting marketing tactics. I have the advantage of being in close vicinity to my market, and frequent the clubs alot. In some of the clubs the local comedians sit right with you in the audience, and you always have the chance to interact with them. I have some business cards and plan on dropping a few down next time I go. Do you guys think I should print some t shirts with the site logo, or use some other promotional material? Any opinions would be grealty appreciated.

[4reignentrep2006]

i guess i post about the marketing tactics that i think would be most influencing a bit later kinda busy ..but i will tell you i am impressed on the action time checked the domain and u already own it ..thats great(registered on the 8 jan 2007 for one year on go daddy). thats what i tell all my entrepreneur acquaintances ACT.

It is true centralizing a normally global market (niche) have its benefits i would think that this would be a nice idea.

this is something i would go into ..(but new york ) i don't think so .

[jg_macarthy]

Thank you for the comments, and would greatly appreciate some marketing tips as well if you find time. Yea the New York scene seems a little more crazy, also I would be clueless on the market. Basically I'm not looking to make millions obviously, but I think this will be a fun mix of business & a hobby, that could turn a few dollars.

[akula]

difficult thread

I think I'm gonna have to shut up on this one

you're smart guy, bro, and what ever you do, it's all gonna be for the better

me? I'm not rich enough to do lifestyle ventures just yet :-)

[mary anne]

marketing tips? I'm not sure what will work effectively here but my list goes like this: word of mouth (it'll only be focused on Boston, so this might be accomplished pretty well), forums, blogs.... you can also use videos, wherein some of the comedians will get to show their act...

hmmm, that's it for now... other ideas are still a blur...

[theapprentice]

do your research before anything else, there is no point in making something that has already been done.

marketing techniques i would say if possible make t-shirts saying something like "You can find me on "your website"" and give them to comedians, im guessing you might have to pay them but that would work while they are doing shows? just a thought

The Apprentice

[4reignentrep2006]

Originally Posted by theapprentice

do your research before anything else, there is no point in making something that has already been done.

i agree you don't want to be in direct competition to something/someone established, but .....myspace=youtube=facebook=social sites=all three have been successful at networking but they are ultimately unique; what counts is being unique even in a simple way that you know you can diversify "find a niche" and supposedly Boston is your niche.

[solomonsmine]

There is another member here at YE who built a local niche forum for his city of residence only, to 60,000 members in a city of 3 million using only word of mouth and $100 worth of bumper stickers in his first year. Blows my mind!