Chapter 197: An Idea

Chapter 197: Chapter 197: An Idea

But if this platform could be launched ahead of schedule, whether it was Britney’s new song, her movie, or the charity event Fox was pushing, they would all gain unprecedented promotional power.

Online promotion is definitely the trend of the future.

Even if Britney’s new song and Fox’s event couldn’t make it in time now, as long as development started now, next year’s Pirates of the Caribbean might just make it.

The reason she hadn’t brought this up when chatting with Mark Zuckerberg before was that she felt she wasn’t familiar enough with him yet.

But after his music software was discovered by Microsoft, leading to an invitation for talent training at the company, and Irene providing important advice on the matter, Irene’s words now carried weight in Mark Zuckerberg’s mind. It shouldn’t seem too abrupt to indirectly suggest the idea of an online platform now.

Once the thought emerged, it grew wildly like weeds.

Irene immediately sprang up from the sofa and looked up Mark Zuckerberg’s contact information stored in her phone.

When the call connected, a slightly youthful voice came through the receiver, sounding a bit dazed as if just woken up: "Hello? Who is this?"

"Mark, it’s me, Irene Coppola. Sorry to bother you so late, but I suddenly had a very interesting idea I wanted to talk to you about." Irene tried to make her voice sound gentle yet infectious.

"Oh, Irene, good evening. Not asleep yet? Go ahead, I’m listening." Mark’s voice cleared up instantly.

"It’s about an online social networking platform," Irene went straight to the point.

"Don’t you think the current internet is too one-way? People can only passively read news through portals or send emails, but there’s no place where everyone can truly speak freely, share their lives, and interact.

For example, if a friend of mine is releasing a new song or I have a new movie to promote, we have to rely on traditional channels. Even if a work resonates with many people, it can’t be quickly passed on to more because there’s no suitable platform. It’s simply a waste."

Mark was silent for a few seconds, seemingly thinking seriously. "You mean, a platform specifically for sharing and communication?"

"Exactly!" Irene’s voice rose slightly. "Imagine a platform where everyone can register an account, share their life status, favorite songs, movies they’ve seen, or even complain about current events, and interact with friends by leaving comments.

For instance, when Britney releases a new song, she could share a snippet directly on it. Fans could hear it immediately and leave messages of support. Before my movie is released, I could post trailers and start discussions to get the audience interested in advance. This kind of sense of participation is completely incomparable to traditional promotion."

The sound of a pen scratching across paper came from the other end of the line, and Mark’s voice began to rise unconsciously.

"You mean, a platform that ties ’sharing’ and ’socializing’ together? Not just one-way transmission, but two-way interaction?"

"Exactly!" Irene’s voice rose further. "And it’s so needed at this moment. After 9/11, everyone has pent-up emotions and needs a place to comfort each other and gather strength, rather than just passively watching the news. This platform could let people in New York share rescue progress and let people in California send encouragement.

This sense of connection is irreplaceable. It’s not just social networking. It’s an extension of freedom of speech where everyone can have a voice. Such a platform could connect people scattered everywhere, and the energy generated would be unimaginable."

Mark’s breathing on the other end seemed to quicken. "A platform that combines social, sharing, and broadcasting functions... I did have a similar idea before, but I hadn’t figured out the specific direction..."

"Your intuition is right!" Irene immediately agreed.

"People need this ’sense of connection’ more and more. Traditional promotional channels are high-cost and low-efficiency, while such a platform allows information to spread quickly and spontaneously.

Fans will actively share works they like, and friends will recommend interesting content to each other. This is more effective than any advertisement."

She didn’t directly say "You should make Facebook," but instead guided him along his own thought process.

"For example, you could start with campuses, letting your classmates be the first to use it to share campus life and course discussions, then gradually spread to other affiliated schools and eventually to the whole society.

Think about it: when everyone is used to communicating and sharing on this platform, how big will its influence be? Whether it’s entertainment promotion, charity events, or daily socializing, it can all be realized on there."

There was no longer any daze in Mark’s voice, replaced by an excitement he couldn’t hide. "That really is a great idea! Before, I only thought of campus social networking but didn’t realize its potential for dissemination. You’re right. The current internet lacks this kind of interactivity."

"I believe in your ability, Mark." Irene’s tone carried sincere admiration.

"Your sensitivity to the internet far exceeds that of ordinary people. If you can build this platform, it will definitely change many things.

I could even be your first partner. Not only can my movies and my friends’ music be promoted on your platform for their debut, but I can even invest in you directly. Together, we can verify its influence and make it the most influential online platform in the world."

"I’ve written it all down, Irene!" Mark’s voice was full of gratitude. "This idea has given me great inspiration. I want to organize my thoughts right now. Once I have a preliminary plan, I’ll definitely tell you right away!"

"Great!" Irene nodded with a smile. "No rush, take your time. If you need any help from me, such as resource connections or promotion, you can find me anytime. I’m looking forward to the day this platform is launched."

Hanging up the phone, Irene leaned back on the sofa, her lips curling up. She didn’t know if Mark would launch Facebook early because of this call, but at least she had planted a seed. Even if the platform couldn’t be launched immediately, her words might help Mark clarify his direction faster.

With a direction, she believed Facebook would be facing the world very soon.

Moonlight from outside spilled in through the floor-to-ceiling window. Irene picked up her phone and sent a text to Britney: "Countdown to the new song release. Are you ready to welcome your era?"

The other party was clearly still awake, replying quickly: "’Roar’ has been fully recorded. It will be officially released to the public in two days. I’m ready! I believe that in two days, everyone will be uplifted by our song!"