The National Yacht Club Social Network Building a ‘Virtual’ Community to Strengthen and Support the ‘Real’ Community

There’s a pent-up need for members to communicate better. Background I got some great photos of the other boats last night. I wish I could share them… I had a great time crewing with these guys. When are they going out again? I need some folks to help me sail to Niagara on the Lake… How’d you figure out that wind shift was coming? My compliments! You crew-bank guys were great – please come back next week!

What are the goals for a social network at the NYC? Goals A successful Social Network for the NYC must achieve three goals: Allow members to discover and build relationships. Allow members to communicate and share content. Allow the club to maintain control.

There is a complex web of relationships between boats, skippers, crew and other members. Relationships Wow – Bob is good friends with my friend Joe… Thanks for taking those pictures of my boat! Thanks for the help, please come back next week. I’m new here, this really helps! It’s like the crew bank on steroids! I’ve made three new friends today!

A dedicated social network site will help members discover and strengthen relationships. Relationships A fully functional site is up and running at: http://nationalyachtclub.ning.com/

Each member will be able to set up their own personal page within the site. Content

We have tools that foster communication. Content Each member can manage a network of friends within the club. Each member has a ‘wall’ that others can post to.

We have tools to help share plans and memories. Content Individual blogs Photo and video albums

The club has complete control over who can be a member. Control

We have a clear project ‘road-map’ for the next year. Next Steps Status Action Build Site at http://nationalyachtclub.ning.com Beta test with a few members Obtain board approval Invite more skippers and crew to join Beta test over a full season Review, assess and tweak Link from main site as official network