Ello is exploding today with users. By one account, they are receiving 4,000 new users per hour. But you can’t just join. You need an invitation code. Its mysterious, new, and really really ridiculously good looking. What sets them apart? They have a manifesto.

Ello: Are You A Product?

No, they don’t treat their users like a product…yet.

Ello is in Beta, has no way to join without an invitation code. So why are they exploding with growth? Its simple. They have no ads and aren’t treating their users like a product. There is an exodus going on from Facebook and people are flocking to Ello to get a cleaner experience, ad free.

It’s the brain child of Paul Budnitz who created the network after calling the other social networks advertising platforms and being disenchanted with feeling manipulated.  

Ello’s Manifesto

Your social network is owned by advertisers.

Every post you share, every friend you make and every link you follow is tracked, recorded and converted into data. Advertisers buy your data so they can show you more ads. You are the product that’s bought and sold.

We believe there is a better way. We believe in audacity. We believe in beauty, simplicity and transparency. We believe that the people who make things and the people who use them should be in partnership.

We believe a social network can be a tool for empowerment. Not a tool to deceive, coerce and manipulate — but a place to connect, create and celebrate life.

You are not a product.

How To Join Ello

You can join Ello two ways.

Invitation Code

The first is to join with a unique invitation code. These are sent from existing users. If you have an account and want to pass along an invitation to PMM readers, please leave one or two in the comments.

Request To Join

You can request to join the Beta by entering your email here. But don’t hold your breath, the reports are that the emails aren’t quick to come if at all. They are getting plenty of users from the wave of people coming from Facebook.

Bottom Line

Ello is a new Social Network that came on the scene over the last few days. If you haven’t seen it yet, check Ello out here.