Ello vs. Facebook
Not long ago, a team of 7 programmers and designers created Ello. Advocates maintain that the new social-networking sensation Ello -currently in its beta version – is the successor to Facebook, currently the world’s premier social networking service. Co-founder Paul Budnitz recently stated that the site is accepting 45,000 sign-up requests every hour; compare this to 31,000 requests last-week. At its onset, Ello users consisted primarily of members of the LGBT and artistic communities. With growing media attention, Ello will undoubtedly attract users seeking a new social-site or who are fed up with the Facebook experience. So what do new users find so appealing in Ello? Ello features a minimalist design. The site to date is entirely add-free; the user interface employs black, grey, and white to create a settling mood yet crisp image.
The new social networking site promises that it will not sell user data to third parties. Instead, it will rake in revenue through permitting users to upgrade their accounts to access special features. Currently, it has made $435,000 in seed investments. And to add a measure of exclusiveness and mystery (thus alluring further interest), Ello allows members to join only on an invite basis. The invite-only design as caused ebay auctions to sell Ello invitations at roughly $100 apiece. The invite scheme demonstrates the power of network connections (primarily in the hands of the inviter) and the auctioning of a highly valued product.
Despite its unique appeal, Ello has drawbacks that keep skeptics, well…, skeptical. For one, certain features are missing that make Ello seem less socially-interactive. For one, posts cannot be posted on other sites, blogged, or even liked. There is no private messaging. Videos cannot be added. Privacy settings for profiles are nonexistent; anyone can view someones information, posts, ect. if it is posted on Ello. Finally, Ello is not very mobile friendly; there is no app for the site on either iOS or Android. Because Ello is still in its early stages (and thus far from its final form), it will most likely see improvements in the near future. Only time can tell whether Ello will be Facebook’s ultimate successor or whether Ello’s sudden outburst will gradually erode. Regardless, the Ello case has revealed an existing demand for a more modern type of social networking site.
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