New Social Networking Site Targets Country Fans
My Country Space Offers Country News, Songs, Videos, Artists & More
Nov 30, 2008
For many, country music is more than just a type of music; it's a way of life.
With that thought in mind, two self-described country fans-turned-site founders, Rick Burgess and Greg Roth, have created My Country Space, a Web-based community where country music enthusiasts can network, "meet" online or explore the latest in country music news, sounds, artists, videos and more.
My Country Space, or MCS, has been "open" to the public since Nov. 1, 2008, and news of the genre-specific community, thus far, has traveled primarily by word-of-mouth and limited Internet marketing, reported the site's Southern California-based co-founders.
Country Music Online: Creating a Specialized Networking Community
Regarding the free site, "My Country Space is designed for the country music/country lifestyle community," Burgess said during a Nov. 29, 2008, interview with Suite 101. "Our mission is to build a community around the passion for country music. Country music is the thread that binds the community, but it will not be the sole aspect of the community."
Although MCS is brand-new, Roth and Burgess "have been researching the wants (and) needs for this community since October 2005 and have been deliberate in building the community," Burgess said. "There are many components that will be added going forward (that are) specifically designed to enhance the experience for all users, whether they are a major recording artist or a new mom staying in touch with her family."
Web Site Caters to Country Fans, Country Artists, Radio & Music Promotion
While not completely unlike established social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook in what it offers users-including on-site e-mailing, blogging, message posting and photo uploading-MCS users "add a buddy" (versus collecting "friends") to their profile pages, while messages about what's new in country music greet site members at sign-in.
"Currently, we have 1,200 members," Burgess said. "Membership is growing at about 40 new members per day and that number is growing as more people become aware (of the site)."
Country Artist Sings New Country Music Site's Praises
One of MCS's inaugural members, a Kentucky-based country musician who goes by the screen and stage name CUNNINGLAMB, said the site already feels like his online home.
"For me, My Country Space is much, much easier to use than MySpace. The breakdowns of different membership titles (on the site) such as artist, management, promoter, songwriter, et cetera, makes it simple to identify who the members are and what they do," he noted. Plus, "It's a better networking site for an artist and others who are in the business of country music. It's a new and fresher place for country music artists and for fans."
Because the online community is still evolving, its co-founders stress they're open to suggestions when it comes to fine-tuning the site to better serve users. Says Burgess: "That's what the community is about-feedback from the community-so we can address the community needs."
More Than Country Music Songs and News: Site Offers Special-Interest Online Chats
At present, members have a number of options, including the capability to create special-interest groups on the site "such as New Moms, Recipes, School, Football, Rodeo, Fan Clubs or pretty much whatever their other interests maybe," explained Burgess, who added MCS may also serve as a way for users to make new local or national friendships.
Additionally, the co-founders noted, because country music and the country lifestyle are the driving forces behind the site, recording artists, both signed and unsigned, will have access for promotion of their music to site members.
"Country music professionals such as venues, (record) labels, (music) promoters, et cetera, will have a focused access to potential relationships," Burgess said. "New and emerging artists will receive access to not only free promotional avenues with the member base, but will also be exposed to the professional community. (And) all in an environment that has a common thread."
Country Music's Appeal Transcends Distance via Online Community
As for who MCS is ideally suited for when it comes to age and gender, therein-in part-lies the beauty of country music's far-reaching appeal.
"One of the most unique aspects of country music is how deep the thread binds all members," Burgess observed, referring to the current membership makeup of the site. "You can be 14 or 90 and still sit together and listen to country music. That said, our membership base runs the gamut of age/gender demographics, with no particular group dominating."
For co-founder Roth, who personally greets each new member upon MCS sign-up, it's "very important" that users feel connected to the site: "We do not look at it as an Internet site, but an Internet community," he stressed.
As for satisfied community member CUNNINGLAMB, he's pleased with the personal attention he's received from MCS and thinks the site is on the right track.
"MyCountrySpace.com feels like the country; MySpace.com feels like the city. I like it in the country," he shared. "That's why I'm here."
Sources
Personal communication with Rick Burgess, Greg Roth and CUNNINGLAMB, Nov. 29-30, 2008.
 |
 |
 |
 |
