Surfer “Hot 100” comes to life online, bridging traditional print media with interactive Web 2.0 community
SAN DIEGO – November 5, 2007 – Loop’d Network, a social media platform exclusively for online sports communities, today announced the official launch of a new online community for Surfer Magazine’s Hot 100, the yearly definitive guide of the best young surfers in the world. This new partnership integrates the print Surfer Hot 100 special edition with a Web 2.0 community to include unique content, such as a global network of aspiring young surfers, as well as interviews with up-and-coming surfers, photos, videos and contests only available on www.surferhot100.com .
“Every surfer realizes how influential Surfer Magazine’s Hot 100 is in showcasing the most talented promising surfers around the world, so this is a perfect fit with our growing network of more than 200,000 athletes,” said Scott Tilton, chief executive officer of Loop’d Network. “We are excited to be involved with the Hot 100 and believe that Surfer Magazine is the first of many media properties that will ensure brand continuity and strengthen relationships with their readers with an interactive, online Web 2.0 community.”
The launch of the Surfer Hot 100 community embodies Surfer Magazine’s desire to expand and evolve the Surfer Hot 100 brand beyond its status as a once-a-year special edition to an interactive online community that allows the readers, fans and avid surfers to interact with featured Hot 100 surfers and each other.
“The new Surfer Hot 100 community on Loop’d Network provides surfers and fans with brand new opportunities to interact with the best up-and-coming surfers in the sport,” said Rick Irons Jr., publisher of Surfer Magazine. “But this community takes the Surfer Hot 100 to a completely different level. We recognize the major shift that’s taking place in the media world and have decided to bridge traditional print media with online social networking to help grow the immensely popular Surfer Hot 100 brand.”
The Hot 100 community will utilize Loop’d Network’s Web 2.0 platform to present unique and interactive Hot 100 content, including contests and event information. The advanced analytics offered by Loop’d Network are unprecedented amongst social networks, and will allow Surfer Magazine to build an effective grassroots-based Internet marketing channel and foster long-lasting relationships with its audience.
Every generation has a new crop of talent and SurferHot100.com is committed to identifying the best talent around the world. The Hot 100 began more than 25 years ago as a part of Surfer Magazine and has always brought to light the future players in the surf world. Recent number one picks include Dane Reynolds, Jamie O’Brien and Jordy Smith, who are now making their mark in the surfing world.
It is with that philosophy that the community-based Hot 100 will be providing a first-look at up-and-coming surfers, including photos, videos and interviews. Equally as important, members of the community will have a chance to develop their own profiles, submitting their best surfing photos and videos in an effort to garner the exposure necessary to vie for a coveted slot in Surfer Magazine’s yearly Hot 100 print edition. Other exclusive Web content includes a wealth of surfing tips and tricks, as well as pro surfer “shout-outs.”
To join the Surfer Hot 100 community on Loop’d Network, please visit www.surferhot100.com to register and create your profile. This profile will enable you to join any of the network’s communities to interact with others who are passionate about sports.
About Loop’d Network
Loop’d Network is a social media platform exclusively for online sports communities.
An expansion of SponsorHouse.com, Loop’d Network currently boasts more than 200,000 members worldwide and brings community features to athletes, fans, and brands, fostering seamless interaction. Athletes and brands can develop personalized communities providing fans and enthusiasts with a network to browse and join with a single click. Athletes are empowered to create unique content for self-promotion, including videos, photos and blogs and receive access to brands for sponsorships. Never before mastered in the social networking realm, Loop’d Network blends brands into the experience by matching them to their core demographics via purpose-driven communities and through an innovative means of grassroots and viral marketing. The company’s Web 2.0 technology platform is robust, provides unprecedented analytics, and scales to millions of users. For more information, visit www.loopd.com .
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