On-line community connects to "Creative Class"

    /24-7PressRelease/ - TAMPA, FL, July 06, 2006 - Oddpodz.com released its beta test this week with hopes of capturing the roughly 150 million global Creative Class market. The Creative Class includes 30% of all employed people and nearly half of all wages and salaries. "The Creative Class is an important and influential buying population. They are responsible for creating innovative products and ideas that make are world better everyday. They are also trendsetters and first movers in many brand categories. They have tendency to be more loyal and exhibit cultish behavior—which are attributes marketers like, Apple computer is a good example," explained Karen Post, President of Oddpodz.com.

"For centuries, people have formed social and business networks based on similar values, and interests. In the last five years, this occurrence has been accelerated by the power of technology and the Internet". We hope to build the largest on-line community of creative people—where all can profit from ideas, relationships and business opportunities.

Oddpodz is designed to appeal to the 25-45 year old, right-brainer, non-conformist, creative person and those who aspire to be like them.

The site is rolling out in phases. Oddpodz wants members to help build the community from the ground up. "'Open-source' branding is what the industry calls it today and it fits our plan," stated Post. "Instead of building a brand from the inside and hoping the market likes it, the company invites members to contribute content, feedback and ideas early on way before it pours the cement."

Phase one of Oddpodz includes: a blog, an expanding marketplace, content on diverse subjects ranging from featured change agents, to creative resources, to a section called "vent" where members can post anything from confessions to annoying situations. The site also publishes a weekly ezine called Openeyez covering current news, books and odd, but interesting things.

Phase two of the site will add a robust social network functionality where oddpodz can meet other creative people for leisure and professionally. They will also enjoy a lot more interactivity and search features.

To support and promote the Creative Class/oddpod movement and the company, Oddpodz has also launched a branded apparel line called Odditeaz . Odditeaz currently offers over 35 Tee shirt designs and hats. All the shirts are printed inside out and on irregular merchandise furthering the "odd" brand message. Each shirt is packaged in an earth-friendly, oversized Tea bag.

About the founders
Karen Post, President
Co-founder, Karen is the president of Oddpodz and serves as creative director. Karen is a national branding expert, speaker, and businesswoman. For more than 23 years she has been involved in building brands and businesses for diverse industry sectors.

At the age of 22, she founded, built and managed two successful companies for more than 18 years—an ad agency and a legal communication firm specializing in high-stakes litigation. Her client work has included Fortune 500 organizations and emerging start-ups.

She has been featured in international business and marketing print, broadcast, and on-line media outlets. She writes a monthly column for Fast Company magazine and her latest book, Brain Tattoos, is receiving national and international praise.

Jocelyn Ring, Vice President
Co-founder, Jocelyn is the vice president of Oddpodz and serves as community director.
A former investment banker, Jocelyn has managed debt, equity and M&A transactions for both small and large companies in diverse industry sectors. In September 2002, Jocelyn left Wall Street to pursue an MBA in marketing and management and pursue a business consulting practice.

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