Heard an interesting piece on npr’s “Marketplace” this morning. It was all about Ccube, a social networking site that takes the online networking concept to a whole new level. Not only can people find you, but they can CALL you! The reporter equated it to “telemarketing in reverse”…instead of individuals with certain interests or services calling you, you’re searching for and calling them!
Each Ccube member’s profile comes equipped with an optional “call me on Ccube” button. All phone numbers are kept secure and confidential by Ccube (caller IDs will display the Ccube number rather than the person’s private number), so people can choose to remain anonymous if they wish. Additionally, users can block unwanted callers, decide during what hours to receive calls, and accept/reject requests to talk with others.
Users can access this service for free, as long as they use under 60 minutes of talk time per month. 250 minutes costs $7/mo, and 1,000 minutes costs $20/mo.
For now I’m reserving judgment on Ccube, as it’s still a fledgling…but I can’t help but think there will be many implications to spending up to 1,000 minutes per month talking to strangers. Speaking for myself, I know that I don’t spend that much time talking on the phone with friends and family! Maybe talking to strangers is easier??
I’m curious about whether Ccube will sink or swim, and I’m curious to know whether it’s something my students will be jumping on board with. Post a comment and let me know what you think…
~Charlotte
Swim!!
Think of it as searchable single degree of separation from anyone (on Ccube). Voice brings emotion and tone to the otherwise impersonal emails and online chats. It conveys a little bit of personality and increases your chance of quality (social) connections.
Usecases (for students) are unlimited. You can learn most anything quickly if someone guides you over the phone. You can send an invitation to the best subject matter experts – scientist/reporter/politician to talk to you over the phone without giving up privacy.
We are inspired by the World is Flat by Tom Friedman, and hope to reduce barriers between like-minded people by connecting them directly.
- Mahesh Lalwani
Founder, Ccube.com.