OsoYou - Women’s Social/Shopping Network

A bunch of gals from the UK are about to launch an interesting and shiny new site focused on shopping and social networking. OsoYou.com will cover the spectrum with topics from celebrity, shopping and style to the habitually cute.

The blog is all that is evidenced so far about the new startup but Mashable reported yesterday that the company just secured $2 million from Brightsation Ventures. Evidently the UK will be the market focus of OsoYou but obviously women in the U.S. and other countries will want the scoop on London fashions too.

The OsoYou theme is “Stare, Shot, Share” and according to the OsoYou business opportunities page the site will be focused on shopping and partners with goals in that direction. The site projects 250,000 unique visitors after the first year, and over 6 million page views per month.

I must say, this is one of the few startups I have seen that jumps right into the ad prices from the onset. I expect it may be because some women don't fool around when it comes to shopping and money. The ad formats are priced before the site is even available, and it is almost as if the revenue model was designed before the site content. I actually admire things that are up front, but the OsoYou approach leaves a little aftertaste. The coat hanger in the logo reminds me of about 2000 shopping trips with my mom, and I cannot decide whether to cringe or smile at this ethereal symbol.

Seriously, the blog does look very tailored and high class. I signed up for the preview and will keep you all posted on their developments, if they allow boys in the joint. The ladies of OsoYou are likely an interesting lot, and one bit of genderific craftiness reflects the tone of the new site, “OSOYOU, where women are women and men are those cute things in the office on the second floor.” Paraphrased of course, but I always liked my role as “boy toy” back in the day. I wonder if there will be shopping for at least presents for guys advertised there?

I hope you forgive my tongue in cheek quip here, but like one of the comments to the Mashable article said, “I don't think any self-respecting Web 2.0 wannabe should lead its “Business Opportunities” with CPM rates for banners and skyscrapers - even if Google has bought DoubleClick.” Up front is one thing, but calculating brandishing is another. Many of us still prefer to think of the beautiful, fine and elegant things in life as somewhat more subtle? Still, somehow I can't wait to see the site.