Summary: A new social network for the wealthy, called Netropolitan, will allow exclusive memberships to consumers who pay $9,000 to join.
We all have those annoying friends in our news feeds—the complainers, the braggers, the drama queens, and possibly worst of all, those that post selfies every single day in case we forget what they look like.
However, if you’re interested in joining “the online country club for people with more money than time,” CNN reports that, for a $9,000 fee, you can join Netropolitan. After you pay the initial $9,000, it’s $3,000 per year afterward to remain a member.
Facebook has always sworn that it would never charge for its social media services, but the brains behind Netropolitan is confident that his expensive idea will take off. James Touchi-Peters, the founder of Netropolitan, said, “This is 100% real, and I believe there is a need and an audience for this service.”
Touchi-Peters, a 48-year-old composer who was formerly a conductor of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, came up with the idea for the site when he had trouble finding friends on social media websites with whom he shared common interests. “I saw a need for an environment where you could talk about the finer things in life without backlash—an environment where people could share similar likes and experiences.”
But what’s the purpose of that $9,000 fee when most social media websites don’t charge a dime? Touchi-Peters said that it “ensures that our membership remains exclusive but also private.”
To join, you must be at least 21 years of age and must use your real name when you register. After joining, users can create groups based upon common interests. Users will be able to view posts and status updates that all other users write.
Netropolitan will not have any ads on its site, and it will also not be indexed by search engines. Moderators will hover to regulate any frowned-upon activity, such as spamming ads for one’s business. There will also be a button on the site that will get users in touch with a “Member Service Associate” at any time if they need help. However, Netropolitan makes it clear that this service is not to be abused: “Please understand that Netropolitan is NOT a concierge service. Our Member Service Associates will not book you a charter jet, or find you tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. They exist solely to help members technically navigate and find their way around the social club.”
When asked how many users he anticipates will use the site, Touchi-Peters declined to make a prediction. Apparently, a “select group of pre-qualified members” have been chosen, and the site will always be exclusive.
If the idea comes off as snooty, Touchi-Peters says it’s no different than any other country club: “We view Netropolitan.club in the same light as any country club out there. They have initiation fees and yearly dues for members. Netropolitan is an online country club, focused on connecting members around the world. We believe there is a need for a community like this, and we are filling the need.”
Photo credit: Daily Mail