Social Networking Watch: News on the Social Networking and Social Media Industry

Diamond Lounge Exclusive Dating

PR WEB -- Feb 2 -- Diamond Lounge is an exclusive dating site for A-list celebrities, actors, models, CEOs, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. Diamond Lounge are now working with luxury brands to provide a range of exclusive additions that will include limited-edition products and lavish private events. It selectively approves profiles and membership costs $40 a month. The Company also owns the new CEO Lounge, a private business network exclusively for CEOs, Senior Executives and Specialist Professionals. FULL ARTICLE @ PR WEB

Mark Brooks: ASmallWorld.com and Affluence.org occupy are the elite social networks.  Diamond Lounge is doesn't seem to be getting much traction.  ASW and DL are mired compared to Affluence.org's recent take-off according to Compete.

See all posts on DiamondLounge

This post also appears on OnlinePersonalsWatch.

Social Networking For The Rich

WSJ -- Aug 7 -- ASMALLWORLD, while growing quickly, has gotten too big for some members' liking. Diamond Lounge has morphed into a "dating and networking site." Now, a site called Spire is entering the fray. But Spire has a slightly different business model. Rather than offering social networking, Spire calls itself a "social resource." Instead of friends, it sells advice. It offers firsthand testimonials on travel, food, wine, cultural events, wellness and other areas of interest for the affluent. FULL ARTICLE @ WSJ

Mark Brooks: See ASMALLWORLD - Erik Wachtmeister for our recent interview with the CEO of ASW.

See all posts on ASMALLWORLD
See all posts on DiamondLounge

CrunchBase Information
aSmallWorld
Spire
Information provided by CrunchBase

Going Online With The In-Crowd

BUSINESS WIRE -- June 26 -- The Diamond Lounge claims to bring together a hand-selected group of the most successful, attractive and eligible people on the planet. According to its founder, Arya Marafie Diamond Lounge was inspired by a real-life private members club. "When we created the Diamond Lounge, we started by looking at private clubs rather than dating and networking sites. This lead to our gated application process (which only about 25% of applicants now get through). In addition to interaction, members will soon benefit from access to lavish private events, exclusive products, an online magazine and to a range of other goodies. Access to the Diamond Lounge costs $35 per month. FULL ARTICLE @ BUSINESS WIRE

See all posts on DiamondLounge

VIP Social Networks

FORBES -- May 7 -- According to a January survey by the Luxury Institute, wealthy-consumer participation in social networks is on the rise. Of the 805 people surveyed (each with a minimum gross annual income of $150,000 US) in 2008, 60% of respondents participate in a social network, up from 27% in 2007. Participation levels for the wealthy in leading social networks were 16% for MySpace, 13% LinkedIn and 11% for Facebook. The wealthy are heading to a new crop of ultra-exclusive social networks, such as aSmallWorld, Diamond Lounge and Squa.re. Some networks come with strict invite-only policies and a rigorous application process based on education, job title, connections and lots of virtual velvet rope. Others, such as Squa.re and Quintessentially, requiring an invite from any existing member. FULL ARTICLE @ CBC.CA

Social Networking For Rich People

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL -- Nov 30 -- aSmallWorld.net, MySpace for millionaires, promise safe havens for the affluent where they can flirt, swap advice, plan parties and find new pals without mixing with hoi polloi. People must be invited to join however membership invitations or passwords can be purchased easily and cheaply -- though in violation of the site's rules -- on eBay. A new site, Diamond Lounge, will also target the elite. Members must be invited to join by a three-person membership committee and have to pay $60 a month in dues. FULL ARTICLE @ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Social Networking With The Elite

BUSINESS WEEK -- Nov 15 -- Elite social networking sites Reuters Space, Inmobile.org and Diamond Lounge put the walls up. These three gated sites are among those with tough membership requirements. Reuters Space is for fund managers, trader and analysts. New applicants have to go through the employment status verification. INMobile.org is for executives who work in the wireless industry. Only directors or vice-presidents qualify. Diamond Lounge is an invitation-only social and business network. New members are elected by all members on the site. FULL ARTICLE @ BUSINESS WEEK