Digg, the once-dominant social news aggregator, is officially making its comeback! As you might recall from my previous reporting, original founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian acquired Digg last month with big plans for a relaunch. Now, we're seeing the first tangible steps in that journey.
Digg's "Groundbreakers" Program: A First Look at the Reboot
Rose and Ohanian have just launched an early-access community called "Groundbreakers." This isn't your typical beta program. To join this initial phase, there's a one-time fee of $5. Now, before you cry "paywall," Digg has a good reason for this. They state that the fee is primarily to deter bots and ensure a genuine community, rather than a revenue-generating strategy. In fact, Digg has pledged to donate all proceeds to a nonprofit that the community itself will collectively choose. I think that's a pretty cool approach.
What Do "Groundbreakers" Get? Exclusive Access and a Voice in the Future of Digg
So, what's the incentive for shelling out that five bucks? According to an email sent out this morning, Groundbreakers will gain access to exclusive "updates, mockups, and experiments." This means they'll get a front-row seat to witness how Digg is being rebuilt from the ground up. It's a chance to see the evolution in real-time and even provide feedback that could shape the final product.
Beyond the insider access, early adopters will also get first dibs on usernames – a valuable perk for those looking to secure their preferred handle. Plus, each Groundbreaker will receive a special badge on their profile, proudly marking them as "those who built [Digg] from the beginning." It's a nice touch that recognizes the early commitment and contribution of these initial members.
Community Hub: Digg's New Home on Circle
Interestingly, the community experience isn't happening on a brand-new Digg platform just yet. Instead, it's being hosted on Circle, a well-regarded web-based community platform designed for creators. This makes sense as it allows the team to focus on building the core Digg experience while leveraging a reliable platform for community interaction.
Initial Response: Thousands Join the Early-Access Program
While there were some initial reports of slowness and minor bugs during the signup process and within the Circle chat this morning, it seems enthusiasm for the Digg reboot is strong. By the time I finished writing this piece, nearly 3,000 people had already joined the Groundbreakers community. That's a significant number for an early-access program with a fee, indicating a genuine interest in seeing what Rose and Ohanian have in store for the revamped Digg.
It's still early days, but this launch of the Groundbreakers community is a significant milestone in the return of Digg. It will be fascinating to watch how this community evolves and how their feedback shapes the future of this iconic internet brand. Stay tuned for more updates as the Digg reboot progresses!
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