Thanks to @DJChuang I received some very interesting but not so new news: GodTube is moving forward with their plan to release a Christian Social Network in early January 2009.
I had blogged about this earlier in May when the first news hit the wire that they had received a loaded round of funding. At the time, they had mentioned that part of their strategic growth plan was to expand their base of operations to include more social networking elements:
In the coming months, the company will also launch a white-label social networking service to churches as well.
Called “Tangle” the newest rev will include a number of the usual suspects:
GodTube is going through major re-branding and structuring and will be re-launching itself in January 2009 as “Tangle” as a global Christian SMS site. It will be a MySpace/Facebook hybrid that will provide options for individuals, ministries, churches groups, bands and artists and expand to include discussion forums, podcasting as well as host the prayer wall and a new feature an interactive “virtual bible’ that will allow for tagging and commenting on individual verses. GodTube will still exist as the video sharing section of the site…
Perhaps the most curious thing is the idea of a rebrand-type scenario. I can only imagine what their new CEO and executive team are thinking as they begin to strategize such a large-scale market maneuver. But, it’s reasonable and a logical next step: expand their functionality that has proven to be successful in their other more-secular big brothers.
But is it the most-wise choice? It is no secret that there already exists tons of “Christian” Social Networks, each with a particular niche or claim-to-fame (or none at all and is completely white-label) but there doesn’t appear to be a defacto… yet.
I suppose another good question is whether there should be the definitive evangelical spot? Time will tell but we’ll keep our ears and eyes open for whatever is to come.
But why did they change the name? What does Tangle say that will let everyone know that it's a Christian site? What does Tangle have to do with Christianity? GodTube said exactly what it is; a place where Christians can come. If someone can explain why, or how Tangle has anything to do with Christianity. Sound more like a dance studio.
hehe. you're probably not alone in your thoughts. they've made the move, so we'll have to see how it works out…!
tangle
t = cross
angle = angle
(christian angle)
it's explained in the video on the site.
GodTube = knockoff name like the "Jesus Is It" Tshirts of yore, or like some local knock off of a chain restaraunt.
i guess the older demographic are cool with knock off work; can't speak for 'em…i appreciate some creativity (which comes from God) in a name.
Thanks Jon! Got it!