Edson and Kevin on a dot com?

“Triniscene who?” was the response “computer wizards” Edson Reyes and Kevin Lee Yuen, founders of Triniscene.com, received when they approached party promoters to cover their pre-Carnival events. “Slowly, it has turned around, promoters would call us,” Edson related. Some two years later, the duo has not only built up a steady clientele in and out of Carnival, but has been receiving requests to highlight sporting events, fashion and music. And they’ve moved from operations beneath a staircase on Chacon Street, Port-of-Spain to a flood-free office at Long Circular Road, St James.

What is one way to engage the interest of Carnival-lovers around the world? Hook up a website showcasing Trinidad Carnival, of course! After brainstorming with names too “weak and horrible” to mention, Edson and Kevin invented “www.triniscene.com” — a website “that streamed Carnival live on the Internet.” Edson and his small team (teens to 20-something-year-olds), would don t-shirts with their insignia boldly emblazoned across the back, taxi across to the event to which they must receive an invitation, flash their Ids at the door, filter through the crowds, mix, mingle and snap. Of course, preceding the taking of photos an introduction is given. It goes something like: “Hi, I’m ... from Triniscene.com and we’re taking photos that feature Carnival to the world to post on our website...”

The mixed reactions are many. “Some tell us ‘no.’ Others pose for the shot after taking a lil time to fix their hair and make-up,” Edson said. Then, there are the ones (men in particular) who, after their picture is posted on the website request that it be removed. According to Triniscene.com’s policy, a photo can be removed following the submission of an email to do so. A day later, the party-holic who missed that one event can log on to the now popular webpage and view the highlights captured. To be chosen for a picture, photographers keep a keen eye for “people having a good time” young or old. Covering the highs and lows and telling the story, in brief, of events all year round was not what the group imagined. Their full-time staff now comprises Edson, Kevin and Casey Cumberbatch. “We have an extended staff of Peter and Allan Limchoy, Jason Winteroach and Thema Lessey who assist with photography, web design and picture editing. And then there’s the extended, extended staff who help out when they have free time.” Promoters now advertise their events on the site. They’ve secured corporate sponsorship for events and banner advertising. Now, the jobs are flowing in.

Edson describes it as “a work in progress.” “This is not like we sat down one night and put together Triniscene. The am-ount of work that went into it and tweaking it...we’re trying to broaden its focus,” Edson told People. Kevin, who has extensive knowledge in web design, gravitates to behind-the-scenes. He designed the initial layout of the website. Edson, who attended Bordercom and is the holder of a degree in Zoology and Biochemistry, updates the events. Though he would rather take a cruise down the islands or quickly opt for a beach lime than hit the limelight, the two are dedicated to their pet project. They’re not deterred by the uncomplimentary comments by people “who think we promote shallowness and posers and how we could spend so much time doing foolishness, something that is vapid. We’ve been called racist, shallow, that we encourage promiscuity. We realise that we can’t please everybody. We know our limitations. “One time we were told by a Christian group, ‘why don’t you come to our gospel event’, but we have limited staff so it’s hard to say we will expand in all areas. We have been to Massalamania and the Country Club, we try to spread it out. “We want to incorporate more cultural events, more writing staff, more people who can edit pictures — to give everyone a home on Triniscene.”

One of the popular features the site offers is the “Forum” which highlights a topical issue for discussion. An average of 2,500 “unique hits” — the number of times a new visitor to the page joins the forum — are recorded per day. A daily average of 15-27 persons log on to the forum simultaneously. “Le Petit Caf?” invites surfers to engage in hearty discussions on movies, books and art. Edson and the gang recently returned from Tobago where they covered Great Fete weekend. They also captured highlights of Crop Over in Barbados. Edson revealed: “We’re toying with the idea of us in another country, social scenes outside of Trinidad... We had this New York Triniscene crew comprising Trinidadians write us and tell us they’re representing (us) abroad. They participated in an AIDS walk over there and represented us. They say Triniscene is like a piece of home abroad.”