The invite-only social networking site LateNightShots (LNS) has been nothing short of a phenomenon in the DC area and is currently on the verge of going nationwide. One of the main pioneers behind this phenom, is University of Virginia graduate and Washington area native Reed Landry who launched the site in February of 2006. With three successful years under it's belt, the site now boasts thousands of members, and is the inspiration behind the CW reality show Blonde Charity Mafia.  Recently, Mr. Landry took the time out of his mogul schedule to answer a few questions about his great success, the future of LateNightShots, and his most memorable night out on the town.

Originally what inspired you to create LateNightShots?
 
Back in 2006 when Facebook was purely for college students there was nothing available in the way of social networking sites for adults. We launched LNS as a side project in February 2006 to fill that niche. It had a cult following for about the first 7 months, but growth was sporadic. It didn't really take off until we added the Hunting Range and the Forum.
 
What is a typical day in the life of a media mogul, such as yourself?
 
Glamorous. Lots of grunt work.
 
If you knew then all that you know now about this business, what would you have done differently?
 
There were some dumb ideas here and there in terms of features we put on the site, but overall the gradual rollout of features has worked well. It started out as nothing more than a bar and photo directory and has morphed into something quite sophisticated from an engineering standpoint. There have been some hiccups in the redesigns we have done, but the current version has gotten very positive reviews.
 
The site has been wildly successful in DC and has even expanded into other major cities, where do you see it going in the next few years? Any new additions members can look forward to?
 
It's an exciting time for us now with the TV show coming out this fall and a nationwide expansion set for August. I'm also involved in the opening of a new bar in Georgetown in a few weeks.
 
 
With this great success there has been some negative press regarding the site, how do you handle it? Do you take it all in stride? Or threaten to break a beer bottle and cut them, like I would?
 
LNS has gotten great press from a variety of sources like TechCrunch, W Magazine, Traveler, Washingtonian, DC Modern Luxury and many others.  We deal with many of the same issues as any website that relies on user-submitted content. I think most people are mindful of the sources of this negative press.
 
 
I have friends that are LateNightShots Forum addicts, what exactly are the guidelines to what is "shockingly offensive"? ( For those that don't know, LNS has a public forum which is anonymous and allows for discussion topics of interest.)
 
We try to keep things civil and put a lot of time (probably too much) into monitoring the site. Occasionally things will get past us, but we have put a number of procedures into place such as the "report" button to help us manage the site effectively. Occasionally topics of discussion on the Forum are a bit off the beaten path, but there's nothing else like it in terms of a social resource.
 
 
You are a DC area native, so be honest with me...hands down...what is your most memorable night on the town?
 
The LNS date raffle at Smith Point in 2006 was fun, with Mark Cuban showing up to do the drawing. It was the first LNS party we threw and I was a bit taken aback by the buzz, the attendance and that George Vincent would sign on to participate.
 
What is the Reed Landry staple cocktail?
 
I like Gin martinis but ordering one at most of the places I hang out would be awkward.