Nike and Google launch Joga.com

hpcanswers writes "Given the increasing popularity of social-networking sites among the young and affluent, Nike has introduced a new site dedicated to the world's most popular sport: soccer. While Nike provides the content (via its army of sponsored athletes, among others), Google provides the technical expertise. Orkut has been very popular in soccer-crazed Brazil, so Google may be able to make a brand extension here. Joga.com is currently invite only, though a form at the bottom of the home page takes requests for invitations." I actually found the launch of a site like this interesting not because of the content, but because of the trend in "private label" sites. It's a Shake'n'Bake Social Network, and you helped make it.

Should we invoke the "Do No Evil" clause here?

[Rude Turnip]

I haven't purchased a Nike product for well over a decade due to their use of sweatshops in Asia. It would seem to me that Google would be indirectly supporting Nike's disgusting business practices by providing the tech support in this venture.

Google web development

[truthsearch]

Google provides the technical expertise.

Is this becoming a threat to "traditional" web development companies like the one I work for? Will Google be eating up development work for some of the larger sites?

Google using microsoft technology?

[WildR]

What's is my best surprise when I start looking the page? the website is based on microsoft technology, only see the pages format -> .aspx (ASP .NET)

strange stuff

[Anonymous Coward]

This is a strange animal, the help center is python http://help.joga.com/support [joga.com], but the login is aspx. WTF??.. the privacy is googlishm (is a Google Account).

Looks like a special Orkut server mixed with Google stuff. The nike reference seems casual.

Re:Football

[pryonic]

I always wondered why the Americans refer to it as football when you spend most of the time carrying the ball. At least in football (as in what the rest of the world plays) you use your foot to control the ball...

Re:Soccer sucks! QWZX

[Anonymous Coward]

As a previous poster said, football doesn't catch on the USA because you cannot insert ads every five minutes. But I'd add that it's not violent enough for the USA (I'm thinking of American football and ice hockey). Plus, the score doesn't look spectacular at the end of the game.
I agree that a draw in a playoff shouldn't be resolved via penalty kicks, that's awful. I'm for the golden goal, but for some reason it didn't success..

Re:For the last time...

[91degrees]

This not ignorance on my part, it is a health issue, apparently there are places in the UK where you can get beaten to a bloody pulp for even uttering that word

Yeah, but you'll get beaten up there for whatever pretext they can come up with.

I know rugby fans who insist on making the distinction between Association football and Rugby football.

Re:Should we invoke the "Do No Evil" clause here?

[eraser.cpp]

If you read over the reports on fairlabor.org for Nike you'll find the conditions in many of their factories still largely deplorable.

Re:Should we invoke the "Do No Evil" clause here?

[Tweekster]

ahh yes the Nike lies pop up once again.... in reality. Nike did not own those factories (subcontractor that they nailed to the wall after it came to light) In fact they had numerous civil right leaders as well as UN ambassadors verify the much better working conditions that were the standard and not the exception to Nike. All told, they could do more, however in reality there factories were never as bad as what was claimed I havent bought a nike product in 10 years, but that is simply because i think they are overpriced and redicoulous looking

Re:Mmm...

[AnonymousPrick]

Dude, it's not worth arguing with those folks. They've never actually talked to those folks. I did. And did I get an earfull! As far as they're concerned we Westeners should mind our own business. They get pissed because, as far as they're concerned, we don't want them to cut their rain forests down, we don't want them working at our factories over there, and we don't want them to do anything to make a better living. The grandparents don't realize that if these folks aren't working in those "sweat shops", they'll be cutting down their rain forests or something else that's far worse. And sometimes, paying them remotely close to a western wage will disrupt the local economy.

For example, Intel, IIRC, started paying some of their workers a much better wage than normal 3rd world wages. It was so good, the local physicians gave up their practices to work at the INtel plant. So, the locals lost all of their medical care because Intel decided ( to shut up the sanctimonious white sub-urban liberal arts college students) to pay a better wage.

Those folks above really need to see the big picture. Those folks know what to do and they'll do it in their own time - their way. We need to respect that.

Joga invite

[jroysdon]

I tried to sign in at the site and get the same thing you get at Orkut:
"Joga is unique, because it's an organically growing network of trusted friends. It is one of a kind network that focuses solely on a common interest around the game of soccer. Joga will help you connect to people who share the same passion for the game and also access exclusive content around athlete profiles, video clips and photos.

If you know someone who is a Joga member, he or she can invite you to join as well. If you don't know a Joga member, you will still be able to join the network by visiting www.joga.com.

We look forward to having you join us in the Joga community."

Uhm, ok, so I have to find someone who is on Orkut/Joga to even get into the community? But how can I find someone if I can't get into the community to do a search?

Then I recall that Gmail account invites were for sale on eBay, and sure enough, you can get Orkut on eBay [ebay.com]. It's only a matter of time before Joga account invites are available on eBay.

Anyway, if you have a Joga account, I'd love an invite. My first dot last name @ google.com.

Re:Mmm...

[debraj]

The reality is this: companies like Nike, Walmart, and others who indirectly run "sweatshops" in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries may not live up to the labor standards in first world economies.

However, in parts of the world where this is rampant, these "sweatshops" are also the best thing that happened to the people who are employed here. It is permitting them to nudge their way out of abject poverty and sustain themselves. This is very serious.

While activism and human rights efforts have helped to uplift the working conditions, and push for more reasonable labor laws in these countries, if these "sweatshops" were to be closed down as a result of this media- and public-activism, that would truly do more harm than good to the population in question.