5 Reasons why you should join ApuraNetworks on Apura.org
1. Connecting worldwide with a similar interest
In 2017, the world of Social Media networks has completely exploded. So how do you find a network that fits your needs? In first instance, ApuraNetworks is a platform created mainly for the Surinamese population, the Surinamese diaspora and anyone who has a particular interest in Suriname. Unlike Facebook (mostly a collection of friends and family… and ads), Twitter (interest based), LinkedIn (professional, no joking and personal stuff allowed), ApuraNetworks provides a network for everyone who wants to discus Suriname and related events in a formal and informal matter, without the noise and chatter of unrelated subjects.
So, first off, that is great news for anyone that has Suriname close to their heart and wants to be involved in the Surinamese community. But, why would that also appeal to those who have no or little connection with or interest in Suriname? The following points might be of interest to both groups;
2. No sponsored stories, no newsfeed filters
Are you getting tired of sponsored stories, sponsored tweets and the corporate world overtaking your newsfeed? Then get started with ApuraNetworks today! The advantage of a smaller network (any network with less than 1 million users) is that there is no need to endlessly filter your newsfeed based on things you liked or clicked on. You know longer get ads in your feed because you visited a website once or because an organization views you as a ideal prospect. You get to see every post and not only post types that you interacted with in the past 28 days. Just raw and uncut, but clean and unfiltered as well.
3. Vote 4 Crowdfunding (#Vote4CF)
What makes ApuraNetworks different from other Social platforms? It is also has a Crowdfunding platform.
As the video explains, anyone with an idea can create a crowdfunding campaign. To make sure that your idea has enough backing from the crowd, your project goes through a voting stage first. Enough votes means you get to start your own crowdfunding campaign.
Of a growing crowd of 5000+ members (a growth of more than 100% over the past year), over 1300 members have already donated since ApuraNetworks officially launched its crowdfunding platform just over two years ago. This has led to a total funding of over 60.000 Euros spread over 19 projects, showing that crowdfunding for a smaller market (in this case Suriname, population: 500.000) does work.
The combination of voting and crowdfunding is not the only unique part of the Apura experience. ApuraNetworks also offers pages for Non-Profits for continuous crowdfunding and company pages which allow company to donate for different projects while making themselves visible at the same time.
4. Social Gamification
Yes. It is real. There is a hidden feature within ApuraNetworks. Every Apura member can get badges as a reward for using the platform in an interactive way. There are six badges to be unlocked and believe it or not, as of March 2017, no Apura member has succeeded to unlock them all.
Badges can be unlocked by inviting others to join the network, connecting with other members, supporting a project through a donation, reaching a goal with your crowdfunding project and by writing and reacting to blogs. No, not all badges are easy, but it still makes it a fun way to be able to contribute to the community. And, if you are a real competitor, you can still try to beat out ApuraNetworks CEO Miguel Rodrigues and myself to become the first ever person to unlock all six badges.
5. Help Suriname become part of the bigger picture
The original concept of ApuraNetworks was developed around the same time Mark Zuckerberg started comparing pictures of college students online. The similarities don’t stop there. Both Apura and Facebook launched their own version of crowdfunding on their platform in 2015. Both also try to make global citizens aware that the internet gives them an opportunity to look outside the borders of their own country for opportunities and solutions. The approach of course, does differ, as ApuraNetworks has the Surinamese community, worldwide around 1 million in total, as starting point.
The Apura Story however, as explained by the video above, does also look at the broader picture focusing on making the world a better place, not just for Surinamese people, but society as a whole.
The above 5 reasons helped me decide to join the ApuraBandwagon and join forces to help develop a platform and online community that not only help society grow, but I can also call my own. If this inspired you to do the same, feel free to contact me and/or register on Apura.org to get started.
Tan bun,
Jean-luc van Charante
