How did VietsToday.com begin?

It began with my experiences of joining a Vietnamese forum back in 2001 (and eventually becoming an administrator of it). The birth of VietsToday.com occurred in 2004, but plans to fully develop it was set aside until it was the right time. Towards the end of 2007, the site I had enjoyed and participated with for so long permanently went offline. It was an unexpected loss, but it was also the perfect opportunity for me to “do it my way,” as Frank Sinatra would say.

At that time, all other mainstream Vietnamese websites that I have come across all had one thing in common: they were at the mercy of their advertisers.

It is my ambition to create the best independent website for today’s Vietnamese generation, instead of a social mill for corporate interests. VietsToday.com is intended to be a home for friendly, open-minded individuals from all over the globe. Nine months had passed until finally, on 08/08/08, we finally decided to go live and anyone with an internet access was able to register.

Promoting unity, understanding, tolerance, friendship, and self-awareness, we intend to generate a strong social network base, and continue to be a major contributing force in modern society. We are today’s students, musicians, lawyers, comedians, activists, doctors, teachers, politicians, artists, soldiers, actors, entrepreneurs, engineers, athletes, scientists, film makers, programmers, and so much more.

What should I expect from VietsToday.com?

You should expect a community and staff who cares. Many of our members care about the site, care about their culture, or care about making a difference in the world. When you have a large group of people who care that much, others who enter the site looking to troll or be disrespectful will quickly find themselves without support.

Do you have a personal favorite of any of your Topic discussions?

I like to talk about just about anything, but it turns out that the majority of my thoughts fall under “Politics” in our forums. One must have balance, so you’ll find me talking about lighter subjects like movies, video games, poker, food, and… things you shouldn’t be repeating to your parents at the dinner table!

Why no sponsors?

First off, I hate annoying advertisements just as much as the next person. Flashing banner ads really annoy the freakin’ shit (can I say “freakin’?”) out of me! I firmly believe that a community-based website should be focused primarily on its members, but when corporate sponsors are introduced, that focus gets shifted away. Currently, we are doing fine being privately funded and supported by generous members on the site.

Has the website changed your life in any way?

I sleep much less, that’s for sure. The up side is that I’ve gotten to know a lot of wonderful people from all over the world. To create this virtual “playground” for people from all over the world is amazing, and what truly satisfies me is hearing how much others appreciate and enjoy the site.

I’m not Vietnamese. Is VietsToday.com only for Vietnamese?

We already have members who aren’t Vietnamese, but happen to have Vietnamese friends who are also on the site. There are also members who are simply interested in our culture and community. We’re not exclusive at all.

Where do you see VietsToday.com in a few years?

What you see now is only the beginning. Over time, we hope to become bigger and better. Although our members are predominantly American, we already have people logging in from Vietnam, Australia, Canada, and London. Right now, VietsToday is spreading strictly by word of mouth. With a larger audience and more support, the possibilities are endless. For sure, we will still be around! *knock on cyber-wood*

What’s next for VietsToday.com?

Just recently, we’ve added a feature where our own members can submit Secret Confessions that are 100% anonymous. It’s one of our more heavily visited sections of the site, and if you were to read what some of our members have confessed, you would understand why! =X What’s next on our agenda is classified at the moment, but all I can say is that it will be involving more members on our site.

Two parts: 1) Who is your fave Vietnamese Actor? 2) Vietnamese Actress?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, because all of my support and respect go out to those trying so hard to get their foot through the door in the movie industry. There are so many names, but off the top of my head, Dustin Nguyen is one of them. Growing up in America, I remember he was the first Vietnamese name I recognized on TV (21 Jump Street). Just to see his name in the credits inspired many Viets to follow in his footsteps. Next would be, “Jonathan” Ke Huy Quan, who is most famous for his role as “Short Round” in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Others include Kieu Chinh (Joy Luck Club), Trần Anh Hùng (Director of the award-winning The Scent of Green Papaya), and half-Vietnamese Maggie Q (Mission Impossible III, Live Free or Die Hard) just to name a few. Last but not least, Tia Tanaka. I’ve only seen her in a couple of movies, but all I can say is that her performances will leave you cumming coming back for more!

Well, thank you for speaking with us today. Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

I like to sleep with socks on.