8 Million in Funding for Judy’s Book

Social network startup, Judy’s Book, raised [another 8 million](http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/venture/archives/100554.asp) and is building their business on “real-life, first-person content.” Judy’s Book is a word-of-mouth marketing service, where network members share their tips, asks for referrals, discuss businesses, and advertisings sponsor listings. I [found Judy's Book earlier in the year](http://blogbusinesssummit.com/2005/09/social_networks.htm) when looking for a dentist.

I understand the Judy’s Book business model, but wonder if [Craigslist](http://seattle.craigslist.org/) is more attractive. Users get the same thing, without ads and no log in. I put up with junk postings on Craigslist to not see the ads and didn’t sign into Judy’s Book because I didn’t want to come up with a username/pass, remember it, give them my demographics, and more. Same thing when a blogger [posts about a business](http://www.zagula.com/food_and_wine/2005/07/02/blue_ginger_korean_grill.html) and links to a Judy’s Book review that I have to sign in to view.

That’s not to say millions of people aren’t joing social networks, they’re certainly signing up for [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/) and [Myspace](http://www.myspace.com/).

For more on Judy’s Book, see posts from the Ignition Partner’s Blogs

* [Judy's Book in the NY Times](http://www.theludwigs.com/2005/08/judys_book_in_the_ny_times.html)
* [Tip Monkies on Judy](http://www.theludwigs.com/2005/10/nice_mention_of_judysbook.html)
* [Google Maps and Judy's Book](http://www.tongfamily.com/internet/2005/09/02/a9_maps.html)