A Runcorn dad-of-three claims he's invented the "new Facebook" with his own social media site.
Max Sparks, 40, set up his social networking site Fleeped six months ago - but he's having a bit of trouble getting people to actually use it.
With three young children, and baby number four on the way, Max said he decided to launch the site when he was in a career rut.
Speaking to the ECHO , he said: "I've got three kids and my wife is pregnant with the fourth one now. I got tired of being in a dead end place. I wanted to do something for myself and for other people.
He added: "I've always been around computers - I haven't had the education to go to college, so it's all self taught."
Having worked with websites and computers since the age of 13, the dad-of-three decided to set up his own social media network in 2019.
Max says Fleeped can "rival" Facebook , due to what he sees as the "problems and negativity" surrounding the world's biggest social media site.
He said: "A lot of people are fed up with Facebook and they're tired of junk ads and kids being bullied. Even the basic things like trying to socialise are hard because there are so many ads. There's too much spam and junk.
"I decided to try to make what people actually need - a platform for socialising without worrying about being bullied."
In January 2020, it's estimated Facebook had around 2.45 billion active users - but Max's main problem has been getting people to actually sign up for his site.
Fleeped currently has around 6,000 members, with Max claiming the site is now attracting 10-40 new members every day.
He said: "I'm struggling to find people to test the platform out because everyone who does loves it. The only thing is the lack of people using it."
But despite struggling to get social media users to sign up, Max said there are a number of features that make Fleeped the next Facebook.
He said: "It's fully family friendly - it is impossible to post any adult content even if you try to post an image of a topless woman the website will not let you. Which is great for our younger audience.
"How many times have you signed in to Facebook and see pornographic material posted there ? Now imagine how many younger kids get exposed to this type of posts on Facebook.
"That's why at Fleeped I added a security function which makes it impossible for anyone to post any adult material content."
The site lets users find nearby members, send free 'gifts' and create GoFundMe campaigns.
Fleeped also has a number of the same functions as Facebook, including selling items in a 'marketplace'.
And while the site is now fully operational, Max has even more features in the works, telling the ECHO he's looking to add 'badges' and an 'anti-bullying security add on'.
Max said: "[I'm working on] a badges system so members can get rewarded for certain things. For example a member who helps other members all the time will get a helper's badge. Which will be displayed on their profile. I'm sure you get the idea."
He added: "There's also an anti-bullying security add on - this is already released and in test phase. Online bullying is something that will not be tolerated on Fleeped.
"I don't wish to discuss this security in details, because this idea might get stolen from me, but the test phase I have conducted, well, let's just say it's looking promising so far."
Despite admitting he's not "100% sure" his site will turn Runcorn into the next Silicone Valley, Max is hopeful that his answer to Facebook could be the next big thing.
