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It looks increasingly plausible. Maybe that's why the new logo looks like an upside-down noose. Are we about to be lynched???? Maybe it's for a planned suicide of the network?
put too much money in it to try and kill it.
but I wouldn't be surprised if they intend an eventual ideological change. Make it more accessable to people.
"Free" hosting does not kill B&B or hostels. Whether up or downscale, pay-to-play customers want easy-in, easy-out "service" (availability, proximity to destination, security, etc.).
Social networks like CS, BW, etc foster linked friendships. Examine older membership models like TD (Travelers Directory/Hospitality Exchange) hobbled by print medium, inconstant volunteers/management and inept marketing. Even grandaddy not-for-profit AYH/IYH drove a stake in the heart of volunteer hostel owners with a compulsory add-on head-tax to rectify these deficiencies.
If CS outgrows the competition (look for Facebook and Linked-In to subsidize similar ventures) its revenue will come from collateral sales such as email lists, branded goods (bikes, sneakers, T-shirts etc), and most significant, ads placed on its (your) pages. If growth explodes, look for a public stock offering.
3 Cheers!
seth
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