There’s a new social networking site that gives Facebook, quite literally, a run for its money. Touted (by the founders, if we may add) as the anti-Facebook, Ello is the latest craze to hit the World Wide Web. But what is it? Why does everyone want in? How does it work? We dug around for answers, and here’s what we found:
What is it?
According to the site, “Ello is a beautiful, simple, and ad-free social network.”
Its concept is simple: Facebook has ads, Ello doesn’t. Data is also something they refuse to sell to third parties. This means your privacy is protected, and unlike other social media sites that carry out data mining, you won’t have creepy instances where ads you may be interested in show up on your newsfeed.
No ads? So how do they make money?
Instead of earning from ads, Ello intends to offer special features on the site – and they’re chargeable. You don’t have to pay a single cent to join though.
How does it look like?
One word: minimalist. Everything’s very clean and simple, from the black-grey-white design scheme to the way postings and updates are shown. It cuts to the chase, is big on visuals, and supports GIFs. There’s also no Like button (stop gasping), and is divided between “Friends” – your own social network – and “Noise”, postings by a random mix of people you probably don’t know.
What can you do on the site?
The usual – post updates, photos, connect with friends, and all that jazz. Upcoming features include private messaging, private accounts, user blocking – mostly stuff to make your experience a pleasant one, especially if you’re sick and tired of the Facebook spotlight.
How can I join Ello?
Here’s the catch: Ello is currently invite-only. The founders and developers are still busy working out the kinks (it’s currently in beta operation). You can request for an invitation by submitting your email address on the site. After that, it’s nothing but a waiting game. You’ll get emails every now and then explaining your turn will come, but apparently there are 35,000 people requesting for an invite every hour, so it’ll probably take a while.
Is it really worth signing up?
We think there are three types of people who would love Ello. One, those who wish to start afresh without the 100 I’m-not-exactly-sure-who-they-are friends; two, those who are just curious (you know, #FOMO); and three, disgruntled Facebook users who can’t stand being in an ad-littered, no-such-thing-as-privacy digital space. If you fall into any (or all) of these categories, then yes.
In the name of journalism, we’ve signed up and are waiting on an Ello account. We’re excited to see how far this new anti-Facebook will go. So, watch this space for more dibs and updates, or sign up now to join in the fun.
