Soapbox.co.nz
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Soapbox.co.nz to launch in the first quarter 2001
Thursday, 29 December 2000
Column.co.nz founder David Buckingham, and web developer Patrick Quinn-Graham have today announced a joint venture to
develop Soapbox.co.nz
Webmaster Patrick Quinn-Graham says the new site will enable users to submit their opinion columns online – to appear
immediately, search online opinion columns and will allow users to reply to columns live. The site will also offer
superior visitor interaction with optional email alerts.
The design will find a perfect balance between functionality and ease of navigation.
The content of Column.co.nz will be migrated to the new site, Soapbox.co.nz upon the launch, which will then replace
Column.co.nz.
ENDS
Contact:
David Buckingham 021 80-80-90
Patrick Quinn-Graham 021 112-6183
Background:
Column.co.nz was founded in September 2000, to provide a channel for users to post opinion columns on to the Internet,
without censorship or fee. It has grown faster than originally expected, and now provides a channel for many users.
Column.co.nz focuses mainly on political opinion, but provides for others as a need arises.
David Buckingham has used the Internet for the past five years, and has seen the .com industry develop. He believes
firmly that the American .com model of borrowing millions, giving a champagne lifestyle to 200 employees and expecting
to make all the money back in banner ads is inherently flawed – and will be the downfall of such sites. He believes that
to be profitable on the web, it is necessary to take a cost minimisation approach. Based in Christchurch - Buckingham
will focus on content acquisitions, taking the role as Content Manager.
Patrick Quinn-Graham has been using the Internet since way back in 1994, and has seen the rise and fall of many great
sites, by and large due to bad designs. He believes firmly in the ideals of the fast loading, good looking, easy to use
World Wide Web that Tim Berners-Lee originally envisioned. He also believes in a champagne lifestyle – but not at a
company’s expense. Based in Auckland – Quinn-Graham will focus on technology and design, taking on the role as
Technology Manager.
ENDS