Has New Orleans become a non-Internet Prospect land?

I was on a conference call a couple days ago. The subject came up about using Craig's List to advertise internet/network marketing business. One person suggested that she wouldn't advertise in New Orleans, considering the Rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. This shocked me, as I live about a mile or so outside of New Orleans, La., USA.

Am I the only one that sees the opportunity for the internet here? What is your perception about New Orleans and Internet Business?

Thanks,
Hubert

[lisa]

Hmmm.... interesting. You can look at that two ways, I guess. I can see why they may have said that with people moving out of the city, etc. but over time that city will come back to life with newer buildings, houses, new businesses, etc. so you can also look at it as a great opportunity for new business.

I think it depends on what you're selling, but if you know what niche to follow you could probably make a nice profit if you know who you're targeting.

[TechieGuy]

I think it should be a good time to to start some new business. Eventually New Orleans will be back to her old self. Cities that have gone through a disaster have survived with time. All it takes is time.

[mclintst]

As long as it doesn't get hit with another hurricane in the next few years! I have heard that a lot of the homes in the lower lying areas aren't even being rebuilt. Plus most of the wealthier residents have moved away.

I'd be interested to see what kind of internet market is left there. Specifically the percentage of homes with internet access before and after Katrina.

Thank you all for your input. I, as a person living and working as a Wallpaper Hanging Contractor here, see what is going on here. While Orleans Parish is only up to about 50% of it's pre Katrina population, the surrounding parishes, like Jefferson, the one I live in is up to almost 100%. A lot of the areas that are still down are areas of lesser income people. On thing that was said was that there isn't any money in the area, which doesn't seem to be.

While I am discussing New Orleans, it seems that there is hardly an area that would not be receptive to starting an online business.

I think back to a CD/DVD I received by Stephen Pierce where he talks about how, when they had that horrible black out in USA and Canada. In a twenty four hour period, while they sat in the dark, he made $5000.

In the event of another catastrophe, not that I am expecting one here, anyone building a business online need only grab a lap top, driver a couple hours away where they can get internet access, and open shop and continue doing business.

Thank God for the internet and its possiblilities.
Hubert