(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 29, 2010 ) International Journalism Review (IJR) was notified by Public Relations director Steve Haase, that the Mixed Martial Arts social network that is methodically becoming the "Facebook" in the MMA world is tightening its reins on its members.
The MMA social site was founded by Chris Greenman and Lee Honish to bring the MMA community together and set a web based platform with more functionality then Facebook to network the fastest growing sport in the world on a world-class website. Haase told us that because of the sites popularity, it is becoming a breeding ground ground for spammers, fake profiles, and people marketing stuff way outside the MMA community.
Haase stated, "We set up this website to help promote the sport out in many capacities. We have the top MMA Broadcast in the world with MMABAY Radio, a top ranked MMA forum, several celebrities and pro fighters that interact on the website, 100's of videos, and we report news that most people won't. This recipe is obviously working and we have thousands of members because of it. Now we have people in China selling knock off shoes, handbags, and a bunch of other stuff we are not in a position to endorse. We also have attempts from people that try to create fake celebrity profiles, fake pro athlete profiles, etc. We have a zero tolerance for any of that and for that reason, Chris Greenman, our CEO and President, has mandated that our staff validates every member that signs up manually before allowing access."
"This is a bold move that I have cautioned him on simply because it could hurt our numbers, and numbers mean dollars in the big picture, even if they are not valid accounts. In addition, this is more labor time for our staff which effects the bottom line as well. To take even an extra step, Lee Honish, our co-owner, mandated we remove every member that hasn't logged on in 90 days. We are in the process of doing both requests to ensure a sacred MMA social network that is all business and of course, fun."
Haase went on to say, "ProFightNetwork (PFN) was built for the MMA community and we want to stay within that group to help each other's business', promotions, and other capacities of people involved with the sport of MMA. We just don't want to be another social network trying to get as many profiles as possible whose sole interest is to promote something and that's it, we want real people interacting, socializing, and being part of our unique community."
IJR commends the stand and planned action of the owners of Pro Fight Network compromising the bottom line for integrity of their mission and vision. It is advised if you have not logged onto your account on ProFightNetwork in the last three months that you do so. If you're not a member of PFN and wish to sign up for the free membership, be patient as it can take up to 48 hours to verify your account. However, at least once you're a member, your among a verified group.
Steven Burns Independent AP Journalist
International Journalism Review Contractor
InternationalJournalismReview@gmail.com
