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CantonWeb Article
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| Stark Site - Something Old and Something New
CantonWeb Article
Friday, October 12, 2001
We've all seen the annoying little signs littering Stark highways and by-ways promising fame, fortune and weight-loss by "putting your computer to work". But the truth of the matter is that the road to riches is not paved with hand-lettered yellow plastic signs, but instead with hard work and innovation. Or at least that's the belief of Stark County's own Michael and Jeff Pritt.
While the "riches" part is still materializing, the Pritt brothers have been working on some basic innovations that are really not all that new: Offering great service at a great price - and doing what's best for the customer.
The Computer Dating Network, Inc., owned by the brother and based in Canton, has launched their web site, ComputerDating.com, on an international level. The launch places them right in the middle of what has become a very competitive internet sector, web based personals.
Currently, the internet dating industry is dominated by Udate.com. The Britain based company recently purchased their largest competitor, Kiss.com, for over seventeen million dollars. With one of the highest per month fees and largest financial war chests Udate appears to have a firm grasp on the market.
Despite the perceived monopoly, ComputerDating.com officials are confident they can achieve unparalleled success in their venture. "There is no doubt that it is David vs. Goliath in this situation." Says president, cofounder and Stark native Michael Pritt.
Adds Jeffery Pritt, cofounder and brother; "They (Udate) have an advertising budget that is unheard of in this business, however, we have the rock to knock their block off! The fact that we are less expensive doesn't hurt."
Less expensive, in this case, means ComputerDating.com's current full membership rate is around 60% less than Udates - while offering a more impressive array of features.
When the founders and brothers were questioned as to what "rock" they have, both simple smiled with the reply; "Check us out and see!" Taking advantage of their free membership program, there's a variety of differences between the two sites. Most notably, Udate has a higher membership base. In pointing that out, Mike Pritt replies "Certainly, but it's been around for awhile. They built their base through costly advertising. A cost might I add that somebody paid for. We are doing it through mostly free memberships and contests."
The more member-friendly yet distinct differences are certainly unique to ComputerDating.com. One would assume the "rock" that Jeff Pritt refers to is the site's audio and video capabilities. Members can upload and view audio and video clips in addition to the industry standard picture posting. This is a feature hard to duplicate due to the bandwidth and maintenance requirements.
In addition to the exclusive audio and video capabilities, ComputerDating.com offers chat capabilities, a feature not found on any competing site. The list of differences goes on to include public forums and extensive dating safety information. Dating safety has been a subject many sites virtually ignore, drawing outrage and condemnation by critics and women's rights activist groups.
All of these features considered, curiosity begs the question - couldn't a competitor's financial strength allow them to match or better those features of ComputerDating.com? Jeff, also DIO (Director of Internet Operations) states emphatically; "Absolutely! Everything we offer will eventually be internet standards. But if you're not getting them right now you joined the wrong service. Besides, we're two steps ahead of everyone at this time. By the time they get to where we are at right now, we will be light years ahead of them. Why? -Because we listen to what our customers have to say…"
Computer Dating Network, Inc. currently owns and operates ComputerDating.com and HDTVfaq.com. Though further ventures are in the works the tandem would not elaborate other than to say; "The Twentieth century had Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Twenty-First is up for grabs."
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