Newly launched Koolanoo is claiming to be the "world's first" Jewish social network. The site has started out with around 600 members, and the feature set is fairly standard. Users can create a basic profile page with a picture and an About section, as well as uploading photos to an album. Unfortunately, it lacks any kind of customization - either themes or html editing (aka MySpace layouts), meaning that users may bore of it fairly fast. What's more, the URLs are far too complex to share on message boards, forums and business cards (unlike the new URLs on YouTube). Another problem: you can't view profile pages without being logged in, meaning they lose out on masses of passive traffic.
Obviously you can browse member profiles and albums, add users as friends, send messages and add profiles to your favorites. There's a marketplace, too, and a dating section for Jewish singles. Other stuff includes the ability to join clubs, post in the forums and schedule events with other users.
As social networks go, Koolanoo is a totally underwhelming effort. It's not clear whether it's custom made or based on some ready-made software (seems possible), but either way it seems to add nothing new. The only unique angle is that they're catering to Jewish users - is that enough to get ahead?
Koolanoo User?
Mashable's Koolanoo profile is HERE - be sure to add Mashable to your friends list if you're a member.
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