Community Website Business Model
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008I recently wrote a blog post, Innovation Even Applies to Non-Profits, which talked about fascinating business models surrounding hipster companies like Threadless.com. No sooner had I written that blog post did I receive another several emails from friends and partner companies about a Portland company called RYZwear.com that has a nearly identical business model to Threadless.com and is launching its site this week with a sneaker design contest as the core of its community-based revenue model. Here is the email that I got:
I love the business model and the concept behind RYZwear.com and Threadless.com, but I’m wondering how much room there is for me-too type companies. Is it truly a revolutionary shift where an entire new economy can be built around it or is there significant first-mover advantages to Threadless.com and other community-based business models already up and running?
Please comment to share your thoughts.



I am excited to join a great panel for an upcoming Software Association of Oregon event called 


