@bosco IMHO there is little difference between a Python problem faced by a Kenyan developer than one faced by an indian , or norwegian...e.t.c, A "localized" version of the same therefore, while sounding good may not offer value more than stack overflow since the solution to the issues are pretty much the same. You are right on specializing on a niche , but you may want to look at the specific niche carefully. Get a niche that a local version would have obvious advantage compared to sourcing on the interweb. my 2 cnts. On Mon, May 21, 2012 at 8:55 PM, Bosco Mutung'a <boscomutunga@gmail.com>wrote:

Well, i agree it's a complete clone of stack overflow, my point of view was to target a niche, that is kenyan techies. Stack overflow is a good tool, but there are some questions you cannot ask there which are kenyan specific or perhaps you might need to meet with a person who answered you question, this is what i'm trying to target. For instance, if you're question is answered by a techie who has high karma and a good reputation, you would be more inclined to make contact knowing that they are in kenya. Some of the kenyan specific question involve things to do with network providers, internet rates and where to get some cool stuff. I agree the idea of Q&A forums is widely overdone, but it is worth remembering, that these are the backbone of the internet and its worth a start in building local content.

thanks.

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Hi Brian, On Mon, May 21, 2012 at 8:55 PM, Bosco Mutung'a <boscomutunga@gmail.com>wrote:

Well, i agree it's a complete clone of stack overflow, my point of view was to target a niche, that is kenyan techies.

Well..... If I were you my priority would not be the "Kenyan techies" since I think it **matters less** what techies you target. Personally am never bothered with who or where the responses on Stack overflow originate from. It is more important that the *suggested solution works* and this may not be truly unique for Kenyan developers. The other thing I know is that most people are not too friendly to services that can locate them. It always feels like a little too much invasion of privacy and to some extent physical security. Stack overflow is a good tool, but there are some questions you cannot ask

there which are kenyan specific or perhaps you might need to meet with a person who answered you question, this is what i'm trying to target.

I think you are honestly stretching the idea of Stack overflow too far. Maybe you can still use the concept but for a different kind of "itch". My first guess would go for something like an auction site but more casual, similar to Craigslist [ http://kenya.craigslist.org/ ] or Ebay [ http://www.ebay.com/ ] for Kenyan techies or just simply for Kenyans with all manners of items, something like the Skunks' market place for starters ......

For instance, if you're question is answered by a techie who has high karma and a good reputation, you would be more inclined to make contact knowing that they are in kenya. Some of the kenyan specific question involve things to do with network providers, internet rates and where to get some cool stuff.

.... For instance you can have someone float an offer for like a used IDEOS or 3g cards / used Playstation DVDs and other guys bid if they need the items. The one who wins gets to have the seller deliver or they agree to meet in order to complete the transaction. The buyer then gives the seller some rating depending on the quality of purchased item vs. the descriptions placed in online advert.

I agree the idea of Q&A forums is widely overdone, but it is worth remembering, that these are the backbone of the internet and its worth a start in building local content.

Of course the example I have given could be replaced by a better idea and am sure there are others doing the same like deal-fish and / or rupu. What am saying is that you can still put your skills / talent to very good use and serve an *existing* need. Maybe it needs to approach your problem slightly differently. thanks.

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