When we heard about HooplaHa, we knew we had to learn more. This exciting new website is set to connect the world by sharing positive and inspiring video stories. Every day a new video and story is published that is inspiring, uplifting, funny, or thought provoking. Best of all, each is a bit of good news told and shared by real people doing real things. The videos are a unique combination of newscasts, webisodes, television segments, and documentary films compiled into a two- to three-minute video. We recently had the chance to speak with Rick Fernandes, the Founder and Investor of HooplaHa and President of Affinion Group and CEO of Affinion International.
Early in 2011, Rick and his wife Lori turned off the TV saying they could no longer watch the negative, over sensationalized, bad news that was presented each day. That moment led to an idea, and that idea became the seed that led to the development of HooplaHa.com!
Here's what we asked Rick via email:
CPC: What's the big idea behind HooplaHa?
Rick: HooplaHa is a site that will share good news around the web. HooplaHa was launched as a destination for anyone who is looking for a way to liven up their day. It will engender positive thoughts generated by positive stories about positive people. It's “life with a smile.”
CPC: Why do you think we need to hear more good news?
Rick: Unfortunately, we as a society are too focused on the negative. Think about rubbernecking delays caused by people looking at an accident in the other lane. Television news ratings always go up when there is bad news. HooplaHa will play a part in balancing this. I once worked with someone who always answered “Great!” when he was asked how he was. I asked him about it, and he said that by answering that way, he actually made himself feel better. The more we get exposed to good news and positive stories, the better we will feel. That’s what HooplaHa is about.
CPC: How has video and online media changed the way we tell stories, particularly positive ones?
Rick: Online media gives us an ability to instantly share things with our families and friends which we believe will have an impact on their lives. We can share interesting news, funny articles, or topical videos. We can share each with those to whom they would be relevant. The media can then be consumed on a timetable that works for the recipient.
CPC: How can people be a part of what HooplaHa is up to?
Rick: When someone visits our site, the positive news at HooplaHa can be passed onto their friends in order to share the good feelings they had on the site. They can also submit their own videos or stories to us. HooplaHa is a movement, and anyone can be part of it.
CPC: What is your big dream for the world?
Rick: My dream is that we all can think more positively, jump to positive conclusions, think the best of people, smile more, and enjoy life to the fullest.