Do you know why facebook had 100,319,000 visitors in February?

Facebook, the 13th ranking web site in the world has brought a human face to the web. It is the new platform that has been missing in the headlong rush for sophistication, statistics, searching, sales and speed. In its attempt to communicate to the world it would seem that the web has not been very successful at bringing people together - until recently.

THE EMERGING WEB PLATFORM

There is a growing demand for web sites that are not simply in the business of using html code to disseminate information or make megabucks in cyberspace. Ever wondered why blogs abound?. The same reason why we continue to see a plethera of gossipy magazines in the news stands. We are interested in each other. Even more to the point, we need each other.

Interestingly, Facebook defines itself simply as “a social utility that connects you with the people around you.” This web site has a similar objective. Visit the site and you will quickly see that it is much more than a directory or a resource. It reveals a distinctive human face of regional Australia.

Take Keith and Lisa Hammond pictured here. They were literally “up to their armpits” implanting Wagyu embryos in Angus cows when we called into their farm in the far north-west of Tasmania. Wonderful, hardworking people who are changing the face of the Wagyu beef industry in Australia. Of course, the fact that we shared the same family name made the visit even more memorable. After all, finding common ground is an important part of connecting with others.

CONNECTING PEOPLE

This a young site building on the wealth of ten years of accumulated knowledge, research and travel of Gordon and Sally Hammond. There is nothing automated with its content. Every listing is a result of personal contact, phone conversations, emails, letters, and visits. It is about real people, real places - putting real Australians in touch with each other. It also puts people in touch with the many food events throughout the year. Every market, large or small, is identified. The news and snippets on the home page are current. In word and images it is an amazing record of the ongoing growth of the regional food movement in this country.

WE ARE UNIQUE

• We are the only comprehensive web resource for the many facets of regional food Australia-wide.

• We are a personal site, connecting producers, sellers, those who showcase regional produce and consumers in a personal way.

• Our content is based on personal knowledge, personal experience, credibility, and a large image library which is uniquely ours.

OUR STATUS

• It is too early to dazzle anyone with statistics. We have, however built a solid foundation for future growth with approximately 6000 operators on our data base and 3,500 listees on the site

• We have 2600 + addresses on our fortnightly Newsletter.

• The number of visits continues to grow from the 4000 we received in the first month

• We are negotiating with regional groups to invite their members to join us.

Like building any social network, the growing of this site will take time. We have a comprehensive business plan which will allow this steady growth to take place. It is not an overnight phenomenon and it is not a fast-buck scheme. It began in 1999 when Sally Hammond wrote the first edition of The Australian Regional Food Guide. The web site has replaced the books and now has the potential to be a rich national resource. The demands of such a comprehensive and fast-growing site must reward the labour. In inviting you to advertise on this site, we are in effect presenting you with an opportunity to share in our vision of a country which is known for its fine regional food

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