Link: Project Placesite is exploring.
Project Placesite is exploring the ad-hoc social networks enabled by Wi-Fi hotspots.
What's this about? Project PlaceSite introduces a new way of using wireless networks -- to create a local information service by, for and about people who are in the same café together.
Three U.C. Berkeley students are carrying out this research project at a café in Berkeley. We hope PlaceSite, and projects inspired by PlaceSite, will form an open platform that enhances community gathering places around the world.
How does Project PlaceSite work? Imagine opening your laptop computer in a neighborhood café and firing up a Web browser. Instead of your usual startup page, imagine this on your screen:
This site is visible only to other people within range of the café's wi-fi hot spot.
Similar idea (social networking using Wi-Fi) to Jambo Networks
Posted by: will | Mar 15, 2005 at 12:30 PM
that's what I thought as well, also similar to Imeem.
Posted by: jeff | Mar 15, 2005 at 12:32 PM
PlaceSite differs in fundamental ways from Imeem and Jambo. A specific example: people don't have to download client software in order to use PlaceSite. PlaceSite is build from the start around established principles that apply to the design of communities and physical places. See "build from what exists," "seeds before trees," "build along the path" here:
http://www.placesite.com/key-concepts.html
Posted by: sean | Mar 15, 2005 at 04:27 PM