Unthink to Facebook, Google+: "It's FU time"
Unthink is the latest new social network eager to take on the big boys. Just like others before it, Unthink isn't satisfied just announcing its existence: the company is making a point to say it will take on Facebook and Google+.
As you can see in the video above, Unthink heavily criticizes both Facebook and Google+. Towards the end, the woman representing the new entrant tells both companies that "It's FU time."
On its website, Unthink says it will work with brands that are "forward-thinking, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious." Users can either choose brands to feature on their profile pages, or pay a $2 annual fee.
Users are unlikely to actually leave Facebook and Google+ for Unthink, but curiosity still managed to kill a few cats. Within the first 24 hours of its launch, Unthink received heavy traffic from all over the world. The company said it had to take its site down and triple server capacity to meet demand.
"We received hundreds of thousands of visitors almost immediately upon launch," an Unthink spokesperson said in a statement. "We are incredibly grateful to the public for its enthusiastic response, and we apologize for the kinks and delays they have faced. Please rest assured that we are learning from this experience and are working to maximize Unthink's responsiveness and improve its capacity. Unthink had more traffic in one day than we had anticipated getting in an entire month. The overwhelming demand reflects people's enthusiasm for a viable alternative to existing social media. People are anxious to join and invite their friends to a site that mirrors real life, empowers individuals, and provides true privacy and true control. We thank everyone for bearing with us as Unthink realizes its full potential."
Unthink isn't a startup: it's a technology company based in Tampa, Florida. Founded in April 2008, the firm is made up of 100 "cutting-edge techies and rebels." It is backed by $2.5 million in venture funding from DouglasBay Capital.
If you want to keep up with Unthink, you can follow the company on Twitter. I wonder why they don't have equivalent accounts on Facebook and Google+?
See also:
- Facebook CTO: most people have modified their privacy settings
- Facebook sued for violating wiretap laws with tracking cookies
- Facebook denies patent is used for tracking logged-out users
- Facebook: Releasing your personal data reveals our trade secrets
- Privacy groups ask FTC for Facebook investigation too