The Power Of Networking: SwapTree
June 22nd, 2006
Currently this startup only has its website in a private beta (you can sign up here ), but it’s another example of “social networking” done right in my opinion. No, no, I’m not talking about another Digg.com or Del.icio.us, this is a different type of social networking. In this case it is basically an intelligent barter service. You list something that you want to trade, and immediately you see people who also have things for trade that are interested in the type of item that you listed.
The power of computing and intelligent filters obviously make it possible to match you up with what you are looking for and vice versa, but the thing that I’m impressed with so far is the professionalism of the interface. Unfortunately for SwapTree, the thing that makes or breaks sites like this is volume. And volume is sort of like charisma….you either have it, or you don’t. Let’s all hope that they get the volume, because it could truly be a useful service (well, for at least 6 months until it’s copied and they are bought out).
What I’d like to see added is collaborative filtering technology so that you could easily find other people who like the same types of things that you do (similar to the LikeMinds technology I worked on in a Levi’s web project several years ago)….and then keep track of anything they place for offer on the site. One can dream…
TechCrunch provides an insightful review of the service, use the link below to the article.
TechCrunch » Blog Archive » Swaptree Update, First Screen Shots
Matt Ridings
MSR Consulting
Entry Filed under: Internet, Internet Business Tools, 3rd Party Software, Just Plain Interesting
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