Facebook Remixed for the Rich

http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/12/a-look-inside-f.html

Turns out the super rich need their own exclusive social network. It's rather sad. Frank DeRose, a managing partner of Ferrata Capital Management, wants to invest at least a million into Total Prestige, an invitation-only networking site. So they can be snoody online too. The company Total Prestige has been around since the 90's when it was just an offline gathering of contact information of other rich folks, but the company is going digital and making their own social network. The new site was launched in September and plans to put out magazines to its users. There are currently only about 640 members, but they are planning on taking off and expanding their member base. Ten of the members are billionaires and others include royalty, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. An example of what these wealthy people talk about is avoiding pirates while yachting up the African coast line.

The homepage of the website plays classical music and shows pictures of the various beautiful rich people. Widgets are included on the website, connecting them to CNN, Gold Digest and Forbes. There are various parts of the site like "The Lounge" where the elite can video, voice and text chat. There is also a place devoted to buying and selling goods. Some of the items include fancy cars, jewelry and a pair of islands. Now there is even a $500 VIP access which gives you rights to contribute to the online magazine and advertise your products. DeRose is counting on ads to pay for the site. He is depending on big spenders who want to put their products in front of a community with some serious cash.

As there are hierarchies in society, there are hierarchies online. People with lots of money don't want to feel equal and it's downright pitiful how they display it.