Ello, a new social networking website, is founded on a strong message – you are not for sale. Ello does not have advertisements, or collect or sell users’ personal information.
Ello is also founded on minimalist design. The network allows you to follow people as “friends” or as “noise.” They don’t know which they are, and posts from “friends” are in one feed and “noise” are in another. Designers and programmers created the visually based network, with a sleek monochromatic palette and large images.
Although Ello is currently free and without advertising, it will later offer premium content for a price.
How Does It Work So Far?
Reviews from beta users say it’s “buggy” and has “few features.” The search function to find friends doesn’t work as expected; it instead creates a list of Ello users the network thinks you should add.
There are no privacy settings, and users can’t be blocked. One of the biggest issues is the problem all new networks have – not many of friends are on it yet.
Will Ello Last?
Attempting to overthrow Facebook is a significant challenge. With 1.28 billion active monthly users as of early 2014 and Facebook login information being used to sign up for websites like Spotify and ModCloth, it may be difficult for another social network compare to that level of integration.
Whether or not Ello is able to beat out Facebook, it has the opportunity to become a success in its own right. Positive and negative reviews have been published about the new social network so far.
PCWorld’s review wasn’t sure where Ello fits into the current social landscape. The article made the point that “everyone” is on Facebook. Tumblr is known as a creative outlet. Twitter is a popular news feed. Pinterest is often used as a scrapbook. Ello may need a stronger niche, the article says.
The MIT Technology Review had a more positive view on the new social site, calling it “pretty to look at and a pleasure to use.”
With uncertain plans to yield a profit, Ello may want to solidify its structure so users won’t have to say goodbye to Ello.
