Duvamis is a social network based on the concepts of anonymity and freedom of speech.
If this sounds like an interesting idea, continue reading. Duvamis Vice President, Peter Gechev took the time to answer my questions about the site.
Cendrine Marrouat: Hello Peter, thank you for answering my questions. When and why did you become involved with Duvamis?
Peter Gechev: We became involved with Duvamis because we wanted social media users to have an online platform that allows them to communicate freely, without judgment so they can express who they really are without repercussions. Duvamis has successfully created a forum that eliminates societal influences and guarantees anonymity so users can freely express themselves. We started creating Duvamis about 2 -3 years ago.
CM: Two ideas drive Duvamis: free expression and self-discovery. Isn't it what social networking should be about?
PG: It is what social networks should be about, but without anonymity you cannot truly express yourself online. Our goal is for users to share in-depth and insightful information, so they can express their true self instead of their online persona. The anonymity aspect gives them the possibility to communicate freely without judgment or fear of ramifications, as well as an outlet to discover their likes and dislikes.
CM: To sign up for Duvamis, all you need is a valid email address. You can then create Virtual Visions, "a superior, completely anonymous projection of the human mind where users can fully control their identity." Would you mind telling us more about that?
PG: Absolutely. Similar to a user profile, virtual visions serve as mediators for the interactions between creators and their online world. Users are empowered to create visions based on their own imagination and personalities.
On Duvamis, users can choose whether or not they accept a conversation with another virtual vision, giving them the freedom to decide which users they interact with in the network.
CM: What are some of the main features of the site that you won't find anywhere else?
PG: Duvamis allows its users the opportunity for anonymous self-expression and communication. Freed from society-imposed limitations as well as the fear of judgment and rejection and hidden behind their Virtual Visions, users can freely explore their needs and desires, and realize their full potential.
The platform neither requires nor stores any personal information about its users. It does not confront them with unwanted advertising messages – advertising is only displayed when (and if) the user wants to see it.
CM: How has the social network been received since its launch last month? And how do people use the site?
PG: Duvamis has been received very positively. The site launched on May 31, 2013, and in just three short weeks, there were more than 15,000 users and 20,000 virtual visions. We expect this number to grow as more users discover the platform.
CM: In this day and age, nothing is really private anymore. All social networks have had issues with security breaches. How do you guarantee anonymity?
PG: All that is required to register for Duvamis is a valid email address. From there, we do not collect or publicize any user information including activity or IP addresses.
CM: What's next for Duvamis?
PG: In addition to user growth, we will also improve user experience by adding additional features and functionalities, an updated mobile version etc. In the next few months, we are planning to release several technical novelties we’re extremely excited about!
CM: Anything else you would like to add?
PG: In terms of advertising, our business model is open and based on a unique system that strays from the aggressive and irritating methods that have become popular recently.
Very soon, we will finish developing a never-seen-before model of informational advertising that is based on the philosophy of Duvamis – the right of the user to gain and use information that’s of interest and relevant to them. To ensure that advertising will work, users will be targeted based on interests stated on Duvamis.
To start using Duvamis, visit https://duvamis.com.
-------------------------------
Follow Cendrine Marrouat: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest
No comments:
Post a Comment