Peer-to-peer community website designed for solving problems through collective action.
Founded: 2006
Status: Commercial
Processing Fee: None
Website: http://www.thepoint.com
In their words:
What is The Point?
Launched in September 2007, The Point helps groups of people, large or small, coordinate action and solve the problems they share.
What makes The Point special?
With any activity that involves a group of people, we want to know that enough others are participating for our contribution to make a difference. Once participation crosses that "tipping point," people are more than happy to take action. So, on The Point, each user-generated campaign is only "activated" when the tipping point is reached.
The possible uses of The Point are limitless. Form an ultimatum against an unsatisfactory company. Raise money for a group purchase or charity. Broker an agreement between a group of people. Plan an event with your friends. Those are a few we've thought of, and you will think of many more. The Point facilitates any situation where people want to know that enough others are committed before they are willing to commit. Now you can know if your contribution will make a difference before you lift a finger or spend a dime.
What kinds of campaigns are there?
Right now there are three broad types of campaigns: ultimatums, fundraisers, and social contracts.
- Ultimatums: Advocating an issue on The Point is different from organizing a traditional petition or boycott -- on The Point, no one acts until enough people agree to take action to force a solution to the problem.
- Fundraising: Unlike traditional fundraisers, on The Point, no one parts with a dime until enough people pledge funds to reach the tipping point.
- Social Contracts: Sometimes you want to do something, but only if there is safety in numbers. The Point lets you form a contract with your peers that no one is obligated to uphold until the tipping point is reached.
