Julie andUNITE

I've been holding out waiting for the English version to go up, but I simply cannot wait anymore. The English version will be up by the end of the month at the very very very latest. And then all you English speakers can also go see what I'm talking about. Never fear, there will be another post - inviting you to check out it out.

So, especially for the GERMAN speakers out there - take a look at the place I've been spending some of my spare time. And certainly *don't* hesitate to go take a look at it (the website, that is). Technically, you can't get in unless I send you an invite. But...this is only for a few more weeks and if you want to peek inside right away, then by all means, shoot me an email (or write a comment below) and I'll give you access as soon as I get the communication. Who ARE these people and what AM I TALKING about? Such good questions.


I've been working primarily with Christian and Bernd (top photo), the founders, since almost the beginning of July on their start-up venture called "andUNITE." "andUNITE" is a *different* web 2.0 concept. (Don't know what web 2.0 is? Go look at this very cool little video on You Tube - I think it does a really nice and also beautiful job of explaining what web 2.0 is.) Yes, it is community-based, yes it has to do with networking. But to cut to the chase, it's actually quite a simple little (BIG!!!) concept):

1) You use Google or some other search engine, probably on daily basis, to look up information.
2) Sometimes you find what you're looking for. Sometimes it takes pages and pages to find what you're looking for. Sometimes you don't find anything you're happy with.
3) the new service "andUNITE" helps to solve this problem.
4) by simply using the andUNITE interface (either the website or a toolbar you can install on your browser), you CONTINUE to use your favorite search engine to look up words. BUT, all the terms (or just the terms you want) you look up, get collected on your profile page.
5) People with similar search terms will be "matched" with you. Don't worry - it's not like you have to be best friends forever. It's only to show you when someone else has looked up the same term.
6) The idea is that a) you can find PEOPLE who might know more about the thing you're looking for and can help you or b) you might be looking for people that are simply like you.
7) Sort of a mix of search and networking. Social Search.

What do I have to do with all this? Well, I've been working on the sales and marketing plan, helping prepare the site for its U.S. entry, doing some usability analysis and consulting, and talking to as many end-users as I can for suggestions on how to make it even better.