App.net
 | |
| File:App.net Alpha screenshot.png App.net global feed as of February 2013 | |
Type of site | Social networking service, microblogging |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Owner | Mixed Media Labs |
| Created by | Mixed Media Labs |
| URL | App.net |
| Registration | Required |
| Launched | August 8, 2012 |
| Current status | Active |
App.net is an ad-free online social networking service and microblogging service which enables its users to write messages of up to 256 characters.
App.net provides their own web interface to the service, Alpha, which is used by some users. However, they encourage use and development of third-party applications.[2]
History
The name 'App.net' was previously used for a service that let app developers showcase their applications. However, on July 13, 2012, Mixed Media Labs announced that App.net would change its purpose to be an ad-free social networking platform. As designed, it is similar to Twitter, but has no advertising, instead relying on user and developer subscriptions. Mixed Media Labs began directly crowd funding, with a goal of $500,000 and about 10,000 backers.[3][4]
Mixed Media Labs had exceeded the goal by August 13th, 2012, raising at least $750,000 with over 11,000 backers. The service is currently in alpha.[5][6]
App.net launched annotations on September 1, 2012, allowing applications to attach arbitrary metadata to posts. This is intended to allow more complex features to be built using the App.net infrastructure.[7] On October 1, 2012, App.net started an incentive program. They will divide a $20,000 monthly pool among participating developers based on application usage and user feedback. Mixed Media Labs' goal is to encourage developers to build on the platform.[8][9]
On November 29, 2012, App.net began a free-trial invitation program. Users can invite a friend to use App.net. If the friend accepts, they can use the service free for a month.[10]
On February 25, 2013, App.net became a freemium service. Users with a paid plan can invite people to get a free tier account with a few limitations.[11]
In May 2013, App.net hit 100,000 users.[12]
References
- ^ "App.net Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- ^ Caldwell, Dalton (August 8, 2012). "App.net is not vaporware". Dalton Caldwell. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ^ "Announcing an audacious proposal". Dalton Caldwell. July 13, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ Simonite, Tom (July 20, 2012). "A Social Network Free of Ads". Technology Review. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ McCracken, Harry (August 13, 2012). "App.net Made Its Goal. But Can It Make It?". TIME Techland. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ Lardinois, Frederic (August 12, 2012). "App.net Reaches Its $500k Funding Goal With 38 Hours To Spare". TechCrunch. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ Panzarino, Matthew. "App.net gets annotations, allows for attaching all kinds of sweet metadata to posts". The Next Web. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ^ "App.net Will Start Paying Developers $20K A Month To Be Part Of Its Ecosystem, Beginning October 1". TechCrunch. September 27, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ^ "New Incentive Program Financially Rewards Developers for Using the App.net API". ProgrammableWeb. October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ^ Mitchell, Jon (November 29, 2012). "App.net Members Can Now Invite Friends With A Free Trial". ReadWrite. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
- ^ Caldwell, Dalton. "Introducing a free tier". App.net. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
- ^ "Developer-friendly Twitter alternative App.net hits 100,000 registered users, 9 months after launch". TheNextWeb. May 17, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.