The 3-minute interview with Armen Berjikly
Staff reports
March 6, 2009
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| Armen Berjikly, the 29-year-old San Francisco entrepreneur and computer scientist is the founder of www.experience project.com, a Web site designed to bring people together for beneficial purposes. (Courtesy photo) |
The 29-year-old San Francisco entrepreneur and computer scientist is the founder of http://www.experienceproject.com . The Web site is designed to bring people together for beneficial purposes
How is Experience Project different from other sites? It's the largest collection of life experiences anywhere, covering everything from health to relationships to home and family.
Isn't that like other social-networking sites? It's not the shiny happy people syndrome, and it's not a dating site. Experience Project is a place for people to connect, so they know they're not alone. It's not a virtual world or an escape from reality.
How did you start it? I had done a lot of research on and created a site for people with multiple sclerosis, but it wasn't making its way to patients. So I created a forum where people could share their experiences about living with MS.
Why are the postings on the site anonymous? We found that it's empowering, that people aren't worried about being judged.
Have there been any pitfalls? It's an open forum and there are those who want to abuse it. But we've been able to teach a culture of acceptance, and we help demonstrate the rules.
How's the site doing financially? Part of the plan was to make sure it's a viable business; there are advertising opportunities that make sense, and we have a 10-person staff in San Francisco. — Leslie Katz
