SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Blue MauMau) - While you slept, we upgraded Blue MauMau.

Over three years ago I had a vision of a new way of publishing. I realized the limitations that trade journals had in getting out frank franchise investment news. I also recognized that traditional print was not enough now that the Internet, with its interactivity and multi-media nature, was available to almost everyone. Internet wizards helped me understand how emerging Internet publishing technology could get around the franchise industry's information guardians.

My business plan was from the outset a step-by-step blend of online media and community platform—social media. Insiders and those in the front lines could provide the real scoop on franchise systems and trends—stuff that you just don't read about in typical press releases. Although it had been in existence for 10 years, blogging was a new phenomenon in our industry and many mistakenly thought of Blue MauMau as simply a blog. Others thought it was a bulletin board. Blogs and forums were part of our new media model, but there was much more to it.

The Blue MauMau site combines world-class journalism with expansive social networking tools for members to contribute their own insights, blogs, podcasts, franchise encyclopedia entries, outside web links, new franchise systems, classified ads and more. Members can even post current event news to the front page, with the editor's collaboration.

Member content is prominently featured alongside reporter contributions. Members are encouraged to get to know one another and our experts based on areas of shared interest.

This is the future of trade journalism: an interactive, collaborative effort of community and news content. I understand the Blue MauMau model is way out of the box for the franchise industry, but I believe that franchise investors are finding it a valuable tool. Networking with those who are knowledgable and knowing the real scoop are critical aspects of investing in and running a small business.

Share
Write blogs, respond to questions, ask for advice, and have your ideas seen by hundreds of thousands of people. Any blog that a member or reporter contributes is saved on their personal blog page.

Network
Create a profile and make connections with members of the franchise and small business community.

Collaborate
Organize and announce events about business ideas. Create a group of buddies whose postings you enjoy reading or with whom you can collaborate and exchange emails. Launch online events. Sell unneeded store equipment through our free classified ads.

Anyone can join BlueMauMau.org. Membership is free! Your registration information will remain strictly confidential. It will not be sold or given out to anyone.

The foundation of this site is still not quite finished. Our budget is tight and our site technology is exceptionally difficult, so the site can only be built bit by bit. But there is one fundamental building block that is coming soon. Stay tuned.

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Related readings:

• New to Blue MauMau? Here's What To Do
• Serving Franchisees and Not Deviating
• What Is Blue MauMau?
• Blue MauMau's Mission