Meet Ello – the new social network that is trying to make its mark on the world this week and, after all the oblique references on Facebook and Twitter, we just had to check it out.
So what is it exactly?
Well the manifesto of the site is pretty clear – they want to give users a site where they there is no advertising and they don’t collect or sell users’ personal data.
In fact, the whole thing sounds like a social media user’s dream. Sound too good to be true? It may well be, but if the site can update its features and functionality – it could just be a hit.
First and foremost, you have to request an invitation to the site. That done, you then wait to be added on to the network as the website sends you this response in your email:
The site’s mission statement is clear from the first page, whether you have been invited or not – and what it states makes for scary if not realistic reading.
“Your social network is owned by advertisers. Every post you share, every friend you make and every link you follow is tracked, recorded and converted into date. Advertisers buy your data so they can show you more ads. You are the product that’s bought and sold.
“We believe there is a better way. We believe in audacity. We believe in beauty, simplicity and transparency. We believe that the people who make things and the people who use them should be in partnership.
“We believe a social network can be a tool for empowerment. Not a tool to deceive coerce and manipulate – but a place to connect, create and celebrate life. “
In essence, this is what Ello’s appeal is. You can add people as friends or as ‘noise’, which is handy if you have a lot of people that you don’t necessarily like, but need to follow. Best of all? They won’t know which group you’ve categorized them into.
Although the site is still in the very raw stages, and it’s hard to predict if it will succeed, it’s definitely one worth keeping an eye…so get that invitation request in!
