i7o Media

Automattic is best known for their blogging platform (WordPress), and some might even use their forum software (bbPress). Now it seems that they’re taking it a step further with the release of BuddyPress (1.0). Creating a full-featured website has never been easier.

BuddyPress is basically…well, never mind. Here’s Matt’s explanation taken from the official WordPress blog:

“BuddyPress is essentially a set of plugins on top of WordPress that add private messaging, profiles, friends, groups, activity streams, and everything else you’ve come to expect from your favorite social network, like a Facebook-in-a-box.”

Don’t expect to become the next Facebook with BuddyPress – that just isn’t going to happen. However, if you already have a blog with a thriving community (especially in a small, but popular niche), then BuddyPress is something you’ll definitely want to look into.

I’ve been thinking a lot about implementing a social network into my new project, but I wasn’t sure if it was worth the hassle. BuddyPress might make that decision a lot easier.

Then again, if Facebook or Google monopolizes internet profiling (Facebook Connect/Google Friend Connect), there might not be a need for any sort of social networking on a single site. To be honest, if this happened, it would make life a bit easier as a publisher…imo.

Anyone planning to try BuddyPress? Would also like to hear what people think about bbPress, although I don’t think I’ve really heard of anyone using it.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7dNqgPP80A

Loren explains how to make compelling videos. He gives plenty of great advice for those who are just starting out. I’m sure the more experienced vloggers will find a few good tips in this speech as well.

His comment about Gary Vaynerchuck are a bit funny though – considering the monsterous success that Gary has achieved lately. I’d have to agree, I think Gary is part actor – but people eat that up, apparently.

Some great news lately for aspiring entrepreneurs. Especially if you have great ideas, a passion for what you do, and the will to work hard for what you want. Maybe you have the confidence and the ability, but you lack the skills or the funds to make your dreams a reality. Prove it, and you might just get your chance…

1. Jeremy Schoemaker (aka ShoeMoney) recently announced that they are accepting applications for a summer internship at ShoeMoney Media Group INC. It’s no secret that ShoeMoney is one of the top money makers online. He rakes in more than half a million dollars a year from his blog alone. Famous for his $132,994.97 Adsense check.

This guy doesn’t play around. If you’re looking to run your own internet business, then this is like becoming Donald Trump’s apprentice. There were a few hundred applicants in the first day alone, but if you can manage to grab their attention, and make it through the internship – as ShoeMoney put it – your life will never be the same.

2. Alex Pang started a new venture with the launch of his micro fund. If you’ve been preparing to launch a new venture, but just don’t have the funds, then you’ll definitely want to send in your proposal. Alex is planning to give an entrepreneur (maybe up to 4) anywhere from $500 to $3,000 and has mentioned that he’d be willing to raise that cap to potentially $10,000 if the proposal is good enough.

Don’t worry, there are absolutely no strings attached. He’s not asking for 50% of your business, and he’s not going to take your house if you can’t repay the fund. There are no contracts. He simply asks that if your business succeeds, that you pay it forward (pay back the loan so that it can be used to help another entrepreneur).

If it doesn’t succeed, then you liquidate whatever you can to help pay back the funds given to you. You’re not going to find many investors that are this flexible.

Again, the experience, exposure – and more importantly – relationships that you could develop from both of these opportunities could honestly be life changing. If you don’t atleast give it a shot, then you should probably be asking yourself how serious you really are about making money online.