I'm thinking about starting a website which hosts a database of (mainly) Asian names' pronunciations. There are other sites out there with American and European names but I haven't found one with many Asian names. Also, my site will be more community-driven, where users can actually edit other users' entries, like Wikipedia. There will also be a rating and commenting system.

Also, there will be a Facebook app which (if you wish so) places your name's pronunciation below your name in your profile and allows you to search/edit the database.

Does this sound like an idea that could work?

Hi sayeo87

I think it is a good idea, but I certainly wouldn't start off with the facebook-like application and the user interaction first. The reason is you need a lot of traffic to make those kind of interactive sites successful and if you start out by launching the community portion, it's difficult to get the participation so you end up with a vacant community. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience.

So the best thing to do is to build some kind of useful content. Do keyword research in your niche and find out what people are searching for in regards to Asian names. Build an information-based site on this topic and learn how to draw in free, targeted search engine traffic. selfpromotion.com is a good place to learn.

Then once you have the traffic (at least 500 visits per day) then you can start thinking about starting a community.

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That does seem like an interesting idea. So many things from Asia, especially Japan, are very popular now, so the interest in names and their pronunciation might be there. I am an American living in Thailand, so if I can be of any service, let me know. My wife is Thai, and can probably offer some insight to names and pronunciation for this area of Asia. Good luck!

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Thanks for your feedback! I've been busy for awhile but now that I have some time I've been beginning to think about this idea some more.

lisa, I definitely see your point in building up a community first, but I'm not so sure that putting content related to the names is such a good idea, mainly because when I picture myself as a user: for example, say I'm going to be interviewed by a Japanese who's name I don't know how to pronounce, I'll want to google the pronunciation, make sure it's accurate (by the ratings/comments of others), learn how to pronounce it, and that's that. I wouldn't really be interested in say, the origins of his name etc....
So I guess having like "what's in a name" info is a useful addition, but don't think it will generate a lot of interest. I'm still thinking of other things to implement....any ideas?

And apart from that, I think many people with tough names would like to have their names' pronunciations next/below their profile name in Facebook. Again, I'm a college student, so my views here may be biased....

mobiiart: Appreciate your support! I'm from Malaysia actually, just below Thailand. And I know how names' pronunciations can so easily get lost in the crisscross of cultures!


-Suan

One of the things you may want to add to your site is which asain cultures will pronounce the family name before the individuals or giving name. While in the military, I spent a number of years in Japan. This got me into trouble a few times.

Well why don't you create a content based site first using a rating system, and then slowly build from there, but you have to useful information on your site or its just not going to happen.

It took several attempts from what I heard to get this forum start properly that shows that its harder to receive traffic with a community reliant website people have to enjoy your site, bookmark it, talk about it, revisit it.

But I do believe your niche is a really good idea, and you seem to have a lot of ideas for this new website, keep that inspiration flowing!

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I say, give it your best shot and try it.

You have the idea so if you passionate about asian name pronounciation why not go for it. Start with content site and then implement facebook (social) when you have reasonable traffic like Lisa mentioned.

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