Pownce Is The Next Big Thing

June 28th, 2007 | Categories: launch, marketing, networks, social media, strategy, trends

Pownce logoIt’s amazing when such a simple application comes along and re-invents the wheel. This was the case earlier this year with Twitter. Now the same can be said for Pownce. Though still in private BETA and inaccessible to most, the features and functionality have amazed thus far. Actually, what is most amazing is the simple concept and implementation. Kevin Rose has struck gold again. His most heralded start-up to date, Digg, was developed from a simple idea. Pownce is no different - and it is poised to take the Internet by storm.

I know I am hyping this pre-launch service without even trying it or giving it any adoption time (although I have seen a demo and some screenshots). But from my point-of-view, I see this as a service people need and will use. The basis is very simple. Pownce operates using the tagline:

“Send stuff to your friends.”

They list four possible items that you can share: messages, links, files, and events. In addition, you have the flexibility to share these items with one person, a group, or your whole list. There is a web-based version, as well as a small, downloadable app.

Primary competitors include IM clients (i.e. AIM, GTalk, Skype), as well as e-mail clients, both desktop- and web-based. These include Outlook, Hotmail, GMail, and Yahoo Mail among others. Secondary competition comes from P2P and private file-sharing programs, include KaZaa, Limewire, Pando, and AllPeers to name a few.

There are many problems when sharing using IM, e-mail, or P2P. Some of the problems that Pownce attempts to solve include:

  • Control - Pownce gives you the flexibility to decide who you want to share with.
  • Documentation - Pownce provides visual documentation of your sharing history in chronological order.
  • Disorder - Pownce provides a centralized area where all discussions, links, file transfers, and events can be managed.

In other words, this product is tailored for sharing things. Unlike IMs, e-mail, and file-sharing programs, Pownce enables an individual to share numerous items using only one service, saving time and hassle. Add to that the fact that Pownce leverages a clean, simple interface with AJAX functionality, creating an intuitive service that is quick and easy to navigate.

Monetization will come in the form of advertising with the web-based version or downloadable app. A premium subscription ($20/year) will eliminate all ads and provide added functionality, including larger file transfer sizes.

I am REALLY looking forward to the launch. I am even more excited to see the response. Sign up for an invitation on the Pownce homepage. I have no doubt in my mind that this ‘little’ app will change the way we share things on the net.

NOTE: Here is a good video review of Pownce by Allen Stern of Center Networks. Here is another favourable Pownce review from Mashable.

14 Comments

  1. Jason Says:

    Great review, we share the same thoughts. I will definitely send you and invite if I come across some.

  2. Aidan Says:

    Thanks Jason. I can’t wait :)

  3. J.O.S.E. Says:

    Still waiting for my invite. I wonder how its going to compete with Gtalk & MSN. I know its a new innovative service, but will it appeal to the non-tech geeks like ourselves? For example, my girlfriend and her girls. Powence going mainstream is going to be tough, but I know I’m going to be loving it. Nice article!

  4. Jacksorx Says:

    Are the invites given out in any order? Still waiting on mine too =/

  5. john Says:

    Could I please get a invitation. I need to write an article for my blog.

  6. Aidan Says:

    I’ll send out invites when I get one ;)

  7. Web Strategy by Jeremiah » Keeping track of the Pownce Reviews Says:

    […] In Favor Mashable: Pownce: Against All Odds, Pownce Blew Us Away Allen Stern of Center Networks: Pownce - it’s pretty freakin’ sweet! Rafe Needleman of CNET: First look at Pownce Robert Scoble: Another Twitter competitor — want an invite? Ryan Stewart of CNET: Pownce using AIR (and I’ve got invites) Mapping the Web: Pownce Is The Next Big Thing […]

  8. alan Says:

    Hi, can someone send me an invitation to give it a try?? at alankennedy100 [at] gmail [dot] com

    Thanks!!

  9. jb Says:

    I don’t get it. I hate email as much as the next guy. But how is this different?

  10. Library clips :: Pownce, kind of like an IM social network :: July :: 2007 Says:

    […] Mapping the Web describes Pownce very succinctly: […]

  11. Svetlana Gladkova Says:

    Great review Aidan, really a detailed one. Your talent to write such a review based on the demo is amazing, I can only write something detailed after actually testing the product. And unfortunately I can not get into Pownce though I do have an invite (some bug, I guess).

  12. IslamCrunch - Technology, Web 2.0, Muslim Ideas & Projects Says:

    […]  What is it? “Pownce is a great way to send stuff to people you know. Add friends, then send them big files, invite them to upcoming events, share great links, and whip off a note to anyone, everyone, or just a few people.” For more reviews, check out: Mashable.com (and another), Solution Watch, Mapping the Web, CenterNetworks (with a video tutorial, see below), WebWare and Jeremiah Owyang has a list of categorized reviews. […]

  13. Andrew Mager Says:

    10 months later, Pownce still rules. I love how easy it is to post anything and everything. Great writeup!!

  14. Taiwan Brown Says:

    bye bye pownce!

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