I mentioned Diaspora the other day as a network that was trying to set itself up as a competitor to Facebook. Today I got an email from them starting with "We love you. Yes. Really, we do." That never bodes well, and this time was no exception. They're clearly deeply in financial difficulties as they are asking for donations, with a suggested donation of $25. That's a lifetime membership to LibraryThing if I remember correctly! However, it's been pointed out that the 4 employees are giving themselves $28.8K salaries, which some may consider slightly excessive.
Irrespective of that, once it's out that there are financial troubles, people will run away, not towards. They certainly haven't done themselves any favours.
Have a read of the ReadWriteWeb article that appears in the "related articles" box. I don't think it's fair to characterise them as being in financial trouble - they've deliberately opted not to receive commercial funding, and have reasonably used up the first round of funding. Doesn't seem unreasonable to be asking for a further round of community funding.
Posted by: David | October 17, 2011 at 01:07 AM
David - appreciate your comments, thanks. I think that they've shot themselves in the foot because I'm not going to be the only person to look at the email and think 'oh-oh'. Most other companies in a similar position will seek funding by providing paid for services, rather than - not beating about the bush - begging.
Posted by: Phil Bradley | October 17, 2011 at 10:35 AM
We're a 100% volunteer-run non-profit. Not sure how asking for donations is shooting ourselves in the foot.
Posted by: Yosem Eduardo Companys | October 18, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Because you're asking for something for nothing; it's blatantly obvious. You're giving people no really good reason to support you other than 'we're not Facebook, we just want to look like them'. Don't get me wrong - great idea, all power to you, interface is fine and dandy, but the email sent out a very negative message. Maybe you should start by trying to buy the obvious URL?
But hey - if it's worked and you've got lots of cash, come back and tell me, I'll happily eat humble pie.
Posted by: Phil Bradley | October 19, 2011 at 12:36 AM
I had exactly the same reaction as you Phil. I love Diaspora both for the idea of a open community social network, and the clean interface. But sending me an email asking for 25$ was something that made me stop and think. I hope that both you and I are wrong, but they should have gone about this in a different way. Setting up something like Kickstarter or a way to contribute that would be smell less of desperation.
Posted by: Thomas | October 19, 2011 at 09:42 AM