Over the last week, I’ve become aware of several new websites that are testing interesting combinations of popular Internet trends. Yesterday, I reviewed PeerFlix, who are trying to combine Internet movie rentals with a trade brokering service. Today I wanted to at least mention a few other websites out there, and solicit your opinions; I likened some of these new sites to the strange (unprofitable) businesses that were tried in the late 90’s, but some of these sites are being brought to us by established Internet vendors.
First off, I discovered Blog Explosion through a fellow photoblogger; Blog Explosion drives traffic to your blog in exchange for your participation in surfing other people’s blogs. Since I’m currently working on a research project involving blogs, I was more than happy to spend a few hours checking out this part of the blogosphere. Net result, I’ve got more new traffic both here and over at the photoblog. The banner ads can get a little repetitve, and I’ve been directed to the same sites a couple times, but overall a good experience and some really interesting blogs out there.
One of the blogs at www.blogexplosion.com mentioned Alexa; surfing over there I discovered that it’s an Amazon.com company. I’m still not completely sure of what’s up with Alexa, but it’s apparently: part blog, part product/blog/meme ratings, part directory service, and they have a cool toolbar. If anyone has a good bead on what this is all about, let me in on the secret.
My friend Louis, pointed out Yub.com from the gang over at Buy.com. Part social network, part peer-review site, this site offers from 1%-15% of your purchases, and 1% of the purchases made through your recommendations as credit. Some of the cooler aspects of this site? They cover more than just buy.com, including: ebags.com, target.com, and iTunes.com. With the Apple Store coming online soon, this could add up to lots of referral dollars for some people. This site is pretty straight forward and could be seen as an (effective?) competitor to Amazon associates, combining the social network scene, which has always had some level of product review/favorites sharing, with a cash-back referral system is a pretty nice idea.