I bought Friendster for $30k – Here's what I'm doing with it
A developer snagged the defunct Friendster.com domain for $30k and is relaunching it as an iOS app, demanding physical phone taps to add friends. This ambitious, nostalgic reboot sparks lively debate on designing authentic social networks, the practicality of its unique real-world-first friending mechanism, and the omnipresent challenges of Apple's App Store. Many wonder if this radical approach is a stroke of genius or a recipe for niche appeal.
The Lowdown
The author has embarked on a fascinating journey to resurrect Friendster, the once-pioneering social network, but with a decidedly modern and unconventional twist. Motivated by a desire for more genuine digital interactions, he acquired the Friendster.com domain for an estimated $30k-$40k (a mix of Bitcoin and an ad-revenue generating domain) and developed an iOS application.
The core of the new Friendster experience revolves around a unique social interaction mechanic: users must physically tap their iPhones together to add each other as friends. This design choice aims to enforce real-world connections, moving away from the impersonal, algorithms-driven models of current social media giants. The author's personal inspiration comes from meeting his wife on OkCupid, hoping to create a platform that fosters similar meaningful relationships, initially pledging no ads or data selling.
Key aspects of the project and its reception include:
- Domain Acquisition: The purchase of Friendster.com, along with a trade for a domain generating $9k/year in ad revenue, became a point of discussion regarding asset valuation.
- "Tap to Connect" Feature: This central mechanism is designed to differentiate Friendster by emphasizing in-person interaction, thereby combating fake accounts and fostering deeper connections.
- iOS-Only Launch: The app's initial availability exclusively on iOS has drawn criticism, raising questions about accessibility and market reach.
- App Store Hurdles: Apple initially rejected the app for "Minimum Functionality" due to its niche, invitation-only nature, highlighting the challenges developers face within walled gardens.
This new iteration of Friendster is a bold experiment in social network design, attempting to rewind the clock on digital connection by prioritizing physical presence and simplicity. Whether its unique constraints will cultivate a thriving, authentic community or prove too restrictive remains a central question.
The Gossip
The Tactile 'Tap' Takeaway
The 'tap to connect' feature is arguably the most divisive aspect. Enthusiasts praise it for enforcing real-world connections, preventing bots, and creating a more 'wholesome' social experience, harkening back to earlier, more intimate platforms. Conversely, many find it a significant barrier, impractical for maintaining relationships with friends in different cities or countries, and potentially awkward in social settings. The debate centers on whether this forced in-person interaction is a brilliant filter for authenticity or an insurmountable obstacle to growth and usability.
Domain Deal & Dollar Deliberations
The financial details of acquiring the Friendster domain sparked considerable discussion. Commenters debated the true value of a domain name that comes with $9k/year in ad revenue, with some questioning the stated $10k valuation of the traded domain. Experts chimed in on common valuation multiples for websites and the inherent risks of projected ad revenue, leading to general skepticism about whether the author truly got a bargain or if the seller walked away with the better end of the deal.
Apple's App Store & Accessibility Anguish
The decision to launch Friendster as an iOS-only app and its initial rejection by Apple's App Store for 'minimum functionality' ignited a familiar Hacker News discussion. Many expressed frustration over the exclusion of Android users and the broader implications of Apple's control over its ecosystem. Commenters debated the necessity of platform-specific apps versus PWAs and alternative distribution methods, with some advocating for legal regulation of app stores, while others highlighted existing workarounds for niche apps like 'unlisted distribution'.
Social Network Sustainability & Spirit
The comments questioned the long-term viability and philosophical underpinnings of the new Friendster. Concerns were raised about the lack of a clear business model beyond "pay for itself later," with many predicting an inevitable slide into advertising or data selling ('enshittification'). Discussions touched on the importance of symmetrical friendships (friend vs. follow), comparing the app's potential to early social networks like MySpace or Google+'s 'circles,' and juxtaposing it with modern private messaging apps like WhatsApp. The core tension lies between the stated idealistic vision and the practical realities of building a sustainable platform.
Nostalgia and Naming Nuances
The revival of Friendster evoked strong feelings of nostalgia among long-time internet users, with many sharing memories of the original platform and its contemporaries like Orkut. This also led to a lively, if pedantic, debate about whether Friendster was truly the 'first' social network, with various commenters pointing to earlier predecessors like Six Degrees and LiveJournal. The discussion underscored the power of brand recognition and the emotional connection people have to early internet experiences.