Monday, February 11, 2008

The End of Eons for Boomers

We reported on the recent decision by eons.com to drop the age requirement, which didn't go over very well with their members.

This article over the weekend in The New York Times tells the whole story.

What's interesting to us is that what we observed about "Boomer" focused sites is exactly what Jeff Taylor and eons.com seems to have experienced. From a posting last September:

The fundamental issue for all of these sites is relevance to Boomers or someone over 50. We don't think being a Boomer makes you a member of an affinity group -- it's just a demographic designation. Given that, why would "Boomers" flock to a web site to mingle with other "Boomers." There needs to be a stronger, more relevant connection -- like life stage, marital status, hobbies, etc.
We hope the other players are paying attention.

Posted by Matt Thornhill & John Martin at 9:16 AM

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2 comments:

Unknown said...

I think you are likely right about boomers not wanting to be categorized by age. But other social networking sites have gone through a similar boom to bust cycle. See our post about that at http://second50yearsmarketing.com/2008/02/12/eons-and-the-technology-hype-cycle/

February 12, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Anonymous said...

Social networking seems to be working for all generations. Networking allows them to share ideas and strategies regarding retirement. Baby Boomers and Seniors are finding the Internet a great source for networking and self-reinvention. These resources are gearing toward retirees and those facing retirement, offering avenues to create supplemental income as rising costs affect their savings.

I have been visiting this blog and decided that I can continue to learn a lot, and contribute to the dialog. But first, I want to be up front about my intentions. I am associated as a technical liaison with a new web site called the www.Over60Exchange.com. This web site is being expanded to include “Baby Boomers, Seniors, and those who follow.” Perhaps we can work together on a number of vitally important projects.

The USA is now locked in the grip of an economic upheaval that promises to change the way we do business and live our lives. We recognize that many individuals who reach the age of 60 are not physically, mentally, or financially prepared to enjoy the so-called “Golden Years.” In order to meet the challenges facing us in these days of great uncertainty, we must take a critical look at how problems are approached and solved. Traditional methods just won’t cut it anymore. The time is NOW to literally re-invent the way we think and solve problems related to the ways we work and live. We call it “personal re-invention.”

The Over60Exchange.com team is developing a program to help Boomers and Seniors create and implement Personal Re-Invention programs. The first step was to create Personal Re-Invention Guidelines. The next step will be to offer participation in Personal Re-Invention Programs. Those willing to engage in critical assessment and change of current mind-sets will be invited to participate in online forums focused on “personal re-invention.” Personal identity need not be revealed.

I invite you to check us out at www.Over60Exchange.com. And remember, we are evolving this web site. When we are ready, you can participate in “Personal Re-Invention.”

I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

November 17, 2008 at 10:10 AM

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