Mobile social network partners with TV station to create country ‘mood maps’

I commented on this elsewhere today, so I will put it here again. This all apparently is based on an unknown percentage of unknown people (are they young or old or what is the average age? black or white or coloured percentages?) using one mobile applicaton out of thousands out there being used by South Africans, who choose from a set group of moods that they are forced to choose from (that is to say that they don't have an endless list of options – they have to be one of the set group). I dont see how this can be shown on national TV as an expression of how the nation is feeling at any one time.

Hi Theo, the sample represents approximately 160 000 people spread across the country. The moods are grouped into positive and negative moods and then aggregated according to province. Our user-base represents the racial demographic of the country and the average age is 18-32 with a slightly higher number of men than women.

On your point about Hummba, I guess the reason for the confusion is that Hummba describes itself as a location-based social radio station. Mark Allewell has done great things with that product and there was no intention to detract from his achievements.

I hope that answers your questions, thank for taking the time to comment, we really appreciate all the feedback

I just don't understand how 160,000 users out of 49 million South Africans reflects the nation on a daily basis on national TV? Yes put it on The Grid site but not on national TV if it's only representing 0.3% of the population. In other words, SABC Morning Live could put on that 99.7% of the nation are unhappy fighting in a civil war but on etv they will show what 160 000 people under the age of 32 are thinking? How does this make any logical sense? Another question that throws the stats off completely,, are these users constantly updating their “mood status” every day or if they set their mood to “happy” on a Monday and don't change it until Friday, does etv show that person in the “happy group” on Monday, Tuesday, Wedensday, Thursday and Friday? Do you see my point?

Matthew, I didn't realise that Memeburn was going to be about you sticking up for excolleagues. Ok then, I'll shut up and disappear.

I think its a great idea. Vincent, you guys are doing an excellent job with The Grid. 1.5 million users is a real achievment. I think its a really interesting space for all of us to be in. The silicon valled buffs seems to be rolling out some unique features that are enhancing user experiences on their LBS type social networks. Its great to see SA companies doing the same. We launch hummba.com out of BETA phase on the 26th of April with some interesting surprises.