05.21.2009 - The latest social network site has been around for quite sometime, but now its being unveiled as the the first Philippine social network site and here's more information...
What is Sandbox?
Sandbox is an online platform that allows anyone to connect with friends and share blog posts, photos and videos. Apart from this, Sandbox is also an online content store where you can buy music and games. So what sets it apart from other social networks? Sandbox is also locally developed and thus there is a continuous stream of offline fulfillment through giveaways, raffles and prizes.
In other words, Sandbox is in the business of building communities because not only is there interaction between your friends, there is also conversation between the developers and the users. In marketing terms, it isn't just horizontal exchanges between consumers, but also vertically, where the product talks back and gives value to insights and suggestions from the community -- alongside promotions and giveaways!
If you aren't in Sandbox yet, I encourage you to join! I personally think the Sandbox experience will differ from one person to another. It's no secret that I've been trying to complete my certification course for open water diving and lo and behold even with the multitude of conversations going on with the blogs, I discovered bloggers who were into diving through Sandbox, of all things! Divers usually brag with a profile photo underwater with your gear -- since Sandbox aligns several profiles together in a tight space, it is easy to determine the most recent users who viewed your post. Benj dives. And so does Angel.
So that was my experience. And Benj was telling me that he'd been inviting people over Plurk for so long -- good thing those items were on record on the network!
Care to share yours? :)
TOP 5 REASONS (5 Top Good Reasons to Join Sandbox)
Your friends are most probably already there
When Sandbox launched in April it had a few hundred beta testers who were members of mainstream and online publications. Communities have been growing at a steady rate across all spectra -- video gaming, anime, tech, love, blogging advice, photography, food and dining .. the list goes on. And, if you can't find a group that fits you, why not create your own?
it is built as a one stop shop
There are two components to Sandbox - the user generated features that's composed of the social network aspect, blogging platform, and photo / video uploads and an online content store where you can download games and music (P30.00 per song, cheaper than iTunes). Sandbox integrates what's on your web browser with your mobile in your account creation page thus when you order items from your desktop or laptop, the information is pushed to your phone.
It has tangible benefits
Not that I have anything against other social networks, but this is the first locally developed one that actively gives out rewards and benefits to its members. So apart from the fulfillment you get with connecting with your friends, there are true offline benefits for participating in promotions and campaigns.
You can make money
Because Sandbox is locally developed, there are more interesting opportunities for you to make money through the system. Apart from an advertising platform within Sandbox that is currently being developed, there are going to be other engagements that will allow Sandbox netizens to build their online real estate such as the mobile site development. During the beta brief, Anton discussed the feasibility of growing your community. Just like with blogs, your real estate inside Sandbox values over time, especially when you grab potentially high ranking keywords.
It is continuously being improved
So really, the most exciting thing about Sandbox is that it is continuously being improved based on the feedback from the community. I'll be the first to say that what you're currently seeing is still the tip of the iceberg and the team led by Rezza Custodio has been actively looking into feedback. Of course, change doesn't happen overnight but the plans for the future of Sandbox will take a stronger stance on Web 2.0. So yeah, tell your friends!
