Retrolife: The Social Network for Abandonware and Freeware
 

EDIT: Since the project has launched, changed the thread title. :max:
http://retrolife.isgreat.org/beta/
http://retrolife.tk/

Hey guys. Just wanted to throw something out there.

If anyone knows me, then they know I'm constantly into different projects. I've learned what works on the internet, and what doesn't. I have also created some social networks in the past.

Btw.. if anyone googles for social networks, you'll find social networks for pet fans, gaming nerds, adult talk (:perv:), and pretty much every other topic.

But none for us abandonware and freeware fans/reviewers/developers/players. :no:

My idea.. build a social network themed to abandonware, and freeware. Members can post what games they are playing, where to download, etc. On the freeware side, developers could register and interact with our members (which already happens on Reloaded.org)

And unlike AB and AR.. I wouldn't overload the site with obnoxious advertisements. Though if Abovo/Studentis wanted to work with me, I'd think it over.

I would most likely use phpFox for the software. I'd pickout some fancy themes, and use a .tk address until I could pay for a domain name. The host I'm using, allows me a pretty massive amount of bandwidth. And since it's 2011, my usage has been reset.. have plenty of bandwidth ready to be used.

Even though I just started college, I want to do SOMETHING. Plus I want to setup a few painless Google ads to make a little cash. But main reason for this: I see how the internet is evolving. Forums are great, but social networks with forums allow for more flexibility, and a better social experience.

This would NOT replace AB or AR. We will NOT host game reviews. Instead, our games section would link to AB, and AR. Instead.. we are just about the community.

I'm looking for thoughts, and partners on this. I'll need logos, name suggestions, and other things like that. It's sort of.. building a social network by abandonware & freeware fans, for abandonware & freeware fans.

So tell me what you think. Nay or yay? I have nothing to lose except freetime.

A preview of the software I would use:

http://live.phpfox.com/demo/

For the name, I have thought up "Retrosocial". Hmm..

RetroSpot? RetroLife?
A good name is a key to catching peoples attention. A good platform is the key to keeping them there.

I think the idea is worth exploring, and you might have something there. What features are you thinking of having? Explain MOAR!

I like the name RetroLife.

As for features, a nice list.

-Shoutbox
-Activity Feed
-Blogs
-Photos Section
-Forum
-Polls
-Bulletins
-Friends
-PMs
-Start groups
-Videos Section
-Quizzes
-Events
-Music
-Marketplace
-Multilingual
-Instant Messenger

A full list: http://www.phpfox.com/features/

Basically, I'm not starting this project without support from members on AB and AR. After all.. what good will this social network be without members? I'm going to need some staff as well. People who will be active.

As for the overall use of the site, instead of hanging around the AB & AR forums, just staring at a shoutbox, you have a full-blown social network to chat on.. with shoutbox.

We are aiming for the people who love freeware and abandonware, want to chat on a social network, but don't want the stupidity if you will.. of Facebook.

This sounds great, Nick. :D

I love the idea of a social network based around freeware and abandonw ware. When can I sign up? :OK:

Glad you like the idea Frodo.

I'll be honest, I was expecting more support from AB members. :p But oh well.. I'll see about it.

Will it cover other platforms besides PC?

First I think you should enable users to log in with a Twitter or Facebook account, so they don't need to make a separate account for this, unless they want. But I think you already know how to do that, you did it in AR.

I would so join this. Retrolife is catchy. You can't call it retro game life, can you? You need a tiny gaming cursor icon, or a tetris L block. I feel sorry for the guys who made tetris. But anywho. Can't have a green tentacle or a space invader or a pacman eating a space invader. But something small and green, and a gold-green loom-like futuristic font. I wouldn't like to have my real name associated with internet activities, though. Facebook is bad enough. But i love the thought of game pages you can 'like', links you can post to obscure abandonware titles, places for indie game developers to gather customers and followers. And above all, if someone is looking for a member for their team, they can just search for devs or graphic designers. I like it. It has style. And i get to have Abandonia Crew on a virtual T-shirt, at least. :D I love it.

Yes. The social network would cover any platform, as long as the game is either freeware or abandonware. :OK:

As for the log in feature, as you can see in the phpFox demo, the Facebook login feature is preinstalled. If I recall, I could also add a twitter login option as well.


Glad you like the idea Arete! :smile2:

I love all your suggestions. In fact.. I'll start work on a logo. I think Retrolife is perfect. In fact, using a coupon and some extra cash on hand, I may be able to buy the domain "retrolife.info". I'll look into it. :)

*starts working on the logo*

The wheels have begun to turn. :OK:

Okay. Here's some logos. Fresh from the oven. Opinions?

http://i54.tinypic.com/2aj2kna.png