Your profile is your first impression on The Network of Commons. Here's how to make it count— even before your first live conversation.

Photos Are Optional, But Your Story Isn't

Unlike other social apps that put photos front and center, The Network of Commons flips the script. Photos are optional. Your bio and interests are compulsory. Why? Because we believe authentic connections start with who you are, not just what you look like.

When someone sees your profile in their feed, they see your bio and interests first. These are your conversation starters, your personality snapshot, your invitation for someone to want to know more.

Why Interests Are Intentionally Broad

Notice how our interest categories are general? Instead of listing "Football," "Basketball," or "Cricket" separately, we just have "Sports." This isn't a limitation—it's a feature.

Broad categories like "Sports," "Music," "Travel," or "Technology" give you something to talk about during your live conversation. If we listed every specific interest, you'd know everything before you even connected. Where's the discovery in that?

When you match with someone who also selected "Sports," you don't know if they're into tennis or rugby, marathons or chess (yes, it's a sport!). You have to talk to find out. That's the point.

Your Bio: Make It Interesting

Your bio is your chance to provide context. Use it wisely. Here's what you can include:

• Who you are: "Engineer who loves sunrise runs"
• Your interests (with detail): "Obsessed with sci-fi novels and terrible puns"
• What you're looking for: "Here for genuine friendships and maybe a coffee buddy"
• Conversation starters: "Ask me about my backpacking trip through Patagonia"

The goal? Make people curious. Your bio should spark questions, not answer all of them. Leave room for conversation.

What Happens When Someone Expands Your Profile?

If your bio and interests are intriguing, people will tap to see more. That's when your expanded profile shows:

• Your photos (if you've added any)
• Preferred mode of communication (video, audio, or text)
• Your app activity (how many connections you've made, how active you are)
• Optional details: Birthdate and full name (you choose whether to show these)

This layered approach means people engage with you as a person before judging based on appearance or superficial details.

Remember: Profiles Garner Interest, Conversations Build Connections

Your profile's job is simple: get someone to want to talk to you live. That's it. It's not your entire life story. It's not a resume. It's a teaser.

The real magic happens during your live conversation—whether through video, audio, or text. That's where you discover chemistry, shared humor, or common ground. That's where you decide if this person should be in your network.

Pro Tips for Profile Success

Examples: Good vs. Great Bios