We at PWGD are always happy if someone beats us to filling a need. But we always have to ask, is it being done in a way that will build we the people's control over our own lives? We try to ask nicely:

Dear SocialWay,

http://SocialWay.com [1] looks just like the sort of thing I want to build, so I'd love to promote it.

However, in my view, this sort of thing is a natural monopoly-- competing services for sharing things with your neighbors just doesn't make sense.

Also in my view a natural monopoly has to be of, by, and for the people. Which in turn could incorporate:

* non-profit, non-commercial structure/goals
* use/development of open source software
* transparency of structure and operations
* empowering (connecting) users directly

And so, I ask about your business model or funding, methods, goals or whatever reasons you have that I should trust you-- I'll be a sympathetic audience, as I can see myself trying to make the same case.

Thanks!

ben melançon