GDGT.com -- Gadgets, Gadgets, and more Gadgets (9.30.09 - 10.07.09)

This week the net@night gang was talking with Peter Rojas, co-creator of the new website GDGT. GDGT is a website that’s all about gadgets. New gadgets like the Zune HD, iPhones, and the iPod touch, to ancient products like the Nintendo® NES. Gadgets that you have, gadgets that you had, and gadgets that you want. The creators of GDGT wanted to design a site where techies can go to talk about the technological gadgets and do-dads, give reviews, explain features that other may be missing, and recommend products to other techies. It acts as a gathering place and a data warehouse of information about the latest technological breakthrough. The site, itself is very interesting because users can create a profile where they explain the tech items they have and compare it to items that other have. The site has very little moderation (mainly just to keep everything neat and organize) which allows user to fully control the conversations. Co-creator, Peter Rojas, mentioned how he had a problem with his G-1 and posted a question about the battery cover. He said that after only twenty minutes of posting, he had numerous responses to his inquiry confirming that other had the same problem. Another interesting side-note is that not only are users involved in the website, but many companies are as well. Companies like Sony frequent the site to ensure accuracy. While it wasn’t mentioned, you can be fairly certain that the companies may also offer tips and hints of their own. The final interesting tid-bit (perhaps the most unique) is their on site advertising. Rather than being just an ordinary ad, the site allows for users to discuss the product in the ad, rate the product, and actually buy the product. This would be a dream come true for any technological designers because it not only allows for potential buyers to see their products, but it gets people talking about their products, a big advantage for any company.