I had the chance to meet Paul at the last conference I went to, Internet World. Having worked for more than 15 years as a webdesigner, he has definitely some experience under his belt. Paul is actually working on a new project, Britster, which sounds exciting ! His blog is definitely a must read !1) Could you please give us some information about your background ? and your role in Britster ?

I’m a Web and Graphic Designer with more than 15 years of global commercial experience. I specialise in the creation of semantic and accessible web sites for businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to large multi-national organisations.

My role in Britster is that of Online Manager. This position currently includes the design and development of the main site, the integration of external services, the specification of an API and daily management of the site once it goes live.

2) You are currently working on a social network project, could you tell us more about it ? and also a bit on the team and the time you’ve been working on it.

Britster is a social networking site with a focus on bringing Britain together online. This will be achieved by offering users of the site a selection of communication tools. The team currently consists of two people: Wes Perkins (the man with the ideas) and myself (turning those ideas into reality), and we’ve now been working on the project for just under four months. 

3) Why did you decided to launch a social network website, when some websites such as Facebook and MySpace are killing the competition ?

There are lots of social networking sites for people to choose from - not just Facebook and MySpace. Some are excellent, and some are not - but not one of them focuses on Britain, which ours will do. 

4) What will be the main feature and will there be some innovation ?

The main focus of the site is communication. We will offer the typical ways of communicating, but will also be looking at other ways that we can keep people talking! For example, we’re currently looking an instant messaging application and free VOIP for our users - both of which can be used even if you’re not visiting the site. There’s lots of exciting things on the cards ! 

5) When can we expect the launch ? and will it be a public beta version like many Web 2.0 websites ?

We expect the site to enter a Private Beta phase at the end of June, which will be followed by a Public Beta. This will also serve as a soft-launch for the project.

6) Finally, what are your thoughts about Web 2.0 and where do you think things are heading ?

The whole Web2.0 thing is a bit subjective if you ask me! Everything that’s happening at the moment with the Web is an evolution to how it used to be - so the term is a little inaccurate. If it was all thrown away and restarted then it could rightly be called version 2.

The Web at the moment is like a symphony that’s lost its way. Too much happening, and too much noise. As time progresses, the cacophony will die down a little, and the one true melody of the Web will finally be heard. I’m looking forward to this very much.  

7) Thank you for this interview. I would like to leave you the last word

The last word? Well, that would be ‘zyzzyva’ - a tropical American weevil. Not sure how relevant that is, but thanks for asking me to do the interview anyway!  

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