A website that allows users to accept phone calls from people who pay to speak with them first may sound familiar, but it’s not Keen.
Before Keen went solely metaphysical, they allowed people to sign up to advise others on topics like accounting, business, even tax guidance.
I guess those categories just weren’t generating as much business for Keen as their metaphysical department, because in the fourth quarter of 2003 they dropped them altogether.
To fill the gap left behind when Keen closed the doors on the other sections comes Ether.
I truly hope Ether fares better than Keen because it sounds like a much needed tool, especially in the changing face of the internet.
News Flash: while I was writing this entry, I kept thinking to myself - this sounds too much like Keen to be a coincidence. Well, after taking a closer look at the company information - Ether and Keen are owned by the same parent company - Ingenio. Okay, it makes sense now.
Back on track. I believe Ether’s timing couldn’t be better. As Darren Rowse of ProBlogger states:
Ether is a start up that I think will interest many Pro Bloggers - especially those looking for a way to do consulting online.
But Ether’s services aren’t limited solely to blog consultants, it’s available to anyone who is an expert in something - whether or not it’s business development or shopping.
As more niche blogs crop up, those authors can then sign up for service with Ether and their readers can call for one on one advice.
I can see it now, Manolo the Shoe Blogger offers shoe coaching. I bet there are plenty of people who would pay to speak with Manolo personally (but I’m not sure he’d wish to compromise his anonymity).
I personally believe Ingenio was positioning themselves for a relaunch when the timing seemed right, but never expected such a vast name change - and I can’t fault them for it because it looks like a smart business move.
