Chie SuarezEllo, a growing ad-free social networking site that promises to keep private information private and does not sell your information to third-parties.
Behold the invitation-only social networking site, Ello. (Ello Home Page)
The network started out as a closed system for 100 people. It was primarily built as a private social network however, so many people wanted to join Ello that a public version of it was made available for everyone to use.
It was reported that the network is gaining 45,000 invite requests per hour from people who wants to join the social club.
According to the Courier Mail, early users with an eye for business have taken to eBay to sell Ello invites, with prices ranging from $1 to $100.
“Your social network is owned by advertisers,” a statement from their ‘manifesto’ section.
“Every post you share, every friend you make and every link you follow is tracked, recorded and converted into data. 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. You are not a product.”
Currently, to join Ello, one must know someone who is already on the network. You can also request an invitation by visiting the Ello Home Page.
Image credit: Flickr user, Chris Potter