TheFence.com Launches Internet Debate Community

Posted on January 24, 2001

TheFence.com, Inc., a Seattle-based new media company, has announced the launch of its website. The Fence is an Internet debate community, where issues and current events enthusiasts gather to debate everything from politics and public policy to sports and pop culture.

``We are very excited about the prospects for our community,'' said Nicholas G. Jenkins, The Fence's co-founder and executive officer. ``We built our offering for people who love to argue about the world around them -- sports, politics, books, whatever -- and we've built a product unlike any other on the Internet.''

The new website contains over 270 debate topics, ranging from current issues (``Should President Bush pardon President Clinton?'') to age old topics (``Should professional athletes be role models?'') to downright eccentric debates (``Do some sick people have a duty to die?''). Each debate also includes a 400-500 word background article on the issue and customized lists of books and documentary and boxed set videos. ``We've taken contextual commerce to levels I've never seen,'' remarked Jenkins. Amazon.com handles all product fulfillment, although the company plans to add other merchants in the future.

Unlike some Internet startups, TheFence was built solely on founder equity. ``A couple of guys and I worked in the back of our homes for nine months putting this community together,'' said Jenkins. ``We financed it solely on my bank account. At a time when many Internet companies burn through $20 million rounds of financing by hiring a dozen vice presidents and high-priced consultants and never even launch their products, we are very proud to have launched this site with our own money and hard work.''

Update: TheFence website is no longer available.