DISQUS

Mashable - The Social Media Guide: 2006/05/10/my-week-in-the-ether/

  • George · 3 years ago
    Great review, thanks!

    I wonder why Ether doesn't create a directory of sellers on their website?
  • David G · 3 years ago
    Thanks Pete - this post saved us both an e-mail ;-)

    15% does "feel" steep but its less than half of what skype (& partners VOXIO etc) charge for "canned" services - so definitely very competitive. When skype gets their act together for live services they're gonna have to come in cheaper than the 20% they currently extract.

    15% is also inline with Rentacoder and you get the call infrastructure (however, that sounds like it's a minus).

    So I think ether is probably priced right - but to justify their cut (an compete), MUST build out the marketplace and reputation piece etc. before skype lists services (on eBay?)
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    David,

    You're right - eBay plus on-demand services (via Skype) would be killer.
  • Brian Breslin · 3 years ago
    so pete, if i just wanted to call and chit chat, would that cost me $120/hour? :-)
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    Brian,

    I'd love to answer that question, but I'd have to charge. ;)
  • David G · 3 years ago
    Thanks Pete - I actually blogged it up when skype was bought - but eBay's taking their sweet time in proving me right. The entire pro-services space is very very interesting; ether is the first step in a very disruptive and unexpected new edge-driven marketplace.

    Original ebay / skype post is here:
    http://poductivity.blogspot.com/2005/09/why-eba...
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    Ether Invites

    BTW: If you want to test Ether, you can create a seller account using this link. It's good for 50 spins.
  • Brian Breslin · 3 years ago
    So pete, did you use a skypein number in the US to route these calls to you in the UK? I understand this only supports US and canada right?

    This would be KILLER if it billed the caller's phone bill automatically (like a 900 number). This will work great with other services like homework assistance/tutoring, etc.
  • Scott Faber · 3 years ago
    Some great feedback and comments here. I discuss many of these subjects today on the Ether blog.
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    Brian,

    I'd love to answer that question, but...ok, ok

    Nah, it works wherever I am at the time - just enter your landline number and you're good to go. Skypein works too.
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    Scott,

    Thanks - I'm checking out that post now.
  • Paul Montgomery · 3 years ago
    Geez, no wonder you're never available on Skype any more...
  • Pete Cashmore · 3 years ago
    Paul,

    I'm on Skype all the time, although someone did comment the other day that I appeared offline even though I wasn't. Probably a glitch.
  • Andrew · 3 years ago
    Wow this is an excited service, I can see many uses for it already! I see this being huge for skilled professionals that can make a few extra bucks for thier talents.

    Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
  • Bill · 3 years ago
    Has the 8 digit extension been a hindrance to use? Seems odd that its so long. I'd rather have a 3-4 digit extension and see them use multiple 10 digit toll free numbers.
  • joel · 3 years ago
    Amazing how Ether dares to charge 15% and make things so complex for buyers and sellers - in a time when alternatives like TALKTRUST are free!

    I have my TalkTrust account and use it to sell products (on ebay and craigslist) as well as services.
    I also use a separate free extension for my social networking groups.

    Check out www.talktrust.com if you are keen on tools that let you talk anonymously - and provide a very extensible set of benefits for FREE.
  • taylor hanson · 1 year ago
    "Mashable is written by Pete Cashmore, a new media expert. It ranks among the Top 100 blogs worldwide."

    Geez, no wonder you're never available on Skype any more...
  • Peter · 1 year ago
    I am imparting/leaking an internal news beforehand; www.writer4me.com, world's no. 1 writer-hire service is launching similar service as Ether.com very soon. They will be advertising soon, calling all infoentrepreuners and counselors, who want to earn money by talking. Keep your eyes open.