The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Carlos Santana Ronald Cordero, Jose Martinez and Gary Angulo, the creators and designers of InShelf.com

After years of building an idea, long-time friends Gary Angulo and Ronald Cordero joined forces to create Inshelf.com, a knowledge-based web community and social networking website that encourages networking through books.

Together with former William Paterson University students, Carlos Santana, who helped with the creative aspects of the website, and Jose Martinez, a marketing and design specialist, Inshelf was created, designed and is now accessible on the World Wide Web-currently in Beta (testing).

Similar to Facebook and Myspace, Inshelf allows its members to create profiles, add friends, and send messages. Its clear distinction lies in how a network of friends is formed, since having a particular interest in books is essential.

Inshelf members can also upload book titles, add reviews and begin conversations on social topics, where books will highlight and often lead a discussion.

The Inshelf team hopes "to change the face of the stereotypical 'bookworm.'"

However, their goal is to attract a wide range of readers, who will ultimately find comfort in exchanging books, while discussing content relevant in today's society.

Their approach is "to introduce reading to those who at some time have underestimated the power of knowledge gained my flipping some pages."

Unlike its many competitive counterparts, Inshelf has the ability to engage users with more than a book exchange. The website also features blogs, forums, and special shelves such as the College Shelf, Her-Shelf, Health Shelf, with others currently in development.

" In a lot of urban areas, reading is treated as a taboo by the younger crowd; seen as lame or maybe even not "cool," said founder Gary Angulo.

"Inshelf intends to deconstruct these 'cool' standards."

The founders plan to establish Inshelf outside of cyberspace with Shelf Cafes, sponsored gatherings with invited speakers and performers, and Inshelf Kiosk, a mobile Shelf setup in parks, fairs, and college campuses.

There are future initiatives to include a Charity Page, where members can support a cause or philanthropy and the Author's Page, where authors will be able to promote and sell his or her books through individual profiles.

For those interested in books or maybe just meeting new friends, Inshelf provides an environment for the non-book junkie and the avid reader alike.

The Inshelf mission: "to bring back awareness to mankind; our means are books, meaningful relationships, and the promotion of personal empowerment."

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