mbn FAQ
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1) What is My Black Networks, LLC?
My Black Networks, LLC (MBN) is a vertical social media network company, headquartered in Austin, TX, whose primary service is an ecosystem of informational websites targeted to unique segments of the African, African-American and Caribbean heritage communities (i.e., the African Diaspora).
2) What is the mission of My Black Networks?
At MBN, we believe that one's identity is analogous to an infinite series of concentric "social circles." For this reason, we adopt, the motto "Because Individual Consciousness Begins with Social Connections.SM" MBN contends that self-awareness and self-determination are symbiotic outcomes of the complex interplay of one's social networks. MBN hopes to provide a platform and feedback loop for this journey of individual and communal discovery.
3) What are the objectives of My Black Networks?
MBN promises to be a platform by which individual expression and identity can be fostered, and cultural commonalities can be reaffirmed. MBN will deliver on its promise by evolving into a global brand that facilitates and enhances the following: 1) the manner in which people of African descent and heritage communicate with each other, 2) the method by which they find and access culturally relevant information, 3) the opportunity to celebrate present day individual and community accomplishments, and 4) the awareness of the importance of giving homage to significant historical traditions.
4) How is My Black Networks different from other social networks?
MBN differs in the following ways:
- MBN is not merely a social network. MBN is also an affinity marketer, publisher, news aggregator, and social activist/organizer. MBN utilizes websites as a part of its tool set, but the websites do not constitute its business model.
- MBN differs from most popular social media sites in that it targets a particular "vertical" market. MBN does not exclude anyone from participation. However, MBN will focus on issues and concerns salient to its target market.
- MBN differs from most niche or vertical market sites in that it offers a vertical portal as a centralized hub to an eco-system of sites. The eco-system supports even more salient social circles. MBN's eco-system rejects the "walled garden infrastructure" employed by many social networks. The niche sites are linked to the portal, but are independent and as such will maintain their own affinity marketing, publishing, news aggregating, and social organizing activities.
- MBN believes that current networks targeting Blacks tend to focus primarily on casual topics such as entertainment, dating, celebrity news and gossip. Although MBN recognizes that this market is satisfying a consumer demand, MBN chooses to respond to the reliable data that indicates Blacks, especially those in MBN's target markets, feel largely ignored by mainstream media. They are looking for online resources that are consistent with more "serious pursuits."
5) Who is eligible to join My Black Networks?
MBN extends an open invitation to anyone who agrees to the following:
- There are common challenges and opportunities facing the African Diaspora. There are also unique challenges and opportunities within its localized communities. Adoption of both a global and local perspective will foster innovation.
- Effective solutions require the collaboration and stewardship of many, not the self-proclaimed leadership of a few.
- The right to free speech and assembly is a precursor to any solution. This right requires no codification. It is God-given and natural.
- Respect for individual differences in approach, including respectful disagreement, are necessary to cultivate an environment conducive to ongoing collaboration.
6) Is My Black Networks a grassroots political movement?
MBN does not define itself as a political movement. MBN hopes to map existing social networks and create new ones that leverage economic, political, technological, and other tools. MBN acts in support of social causes. If we are successful, this will become a social movement.
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