Forum Monopolies by Internet Companies

[barutiwa]

What do you think about companies being formed for the sake of buying out popular online forums and messageboards? There is one Internet company I'm studying that is doing that. And their common stock trades on the open market.

 

[Fergal]

There are a few companies doing this (including Internet Brands who own vBulletin), what company are you referring to?

 

[Watch Me Sink]

Crowdgather is one that buys them up, and poorly manages them. http://freepowerboards.com was one that was very popular, then died quickly due to poor management.

 

[Guardian]

Oh wow, I didn't know people made money by doing that.

 

[barutiwa]

Crowd Gather, Inc. trades on the OTCBB. I'm studying their business model. They have some pretty good ideas on strategic acquisitions.

 

[Acorn]

I wouldn't call it a monopoly. The bought out forum companies hardly wind up taking over the market.