JiWire Directory Semi Launches
JiWire decided to tell bloggers about their new service before telling the “real” media, so I’m rewarding them for their blogginess by writing up the conference call we just had. See, guys, it works! (On the other hand, this morning I got spammed with a press release announcing anti-spam software. Oy, the irony!)
JiWire is a directory of hotspots in North America and Europe (so far) with some marked as “certified,” meaning they’ve been vetted by actual human beings. The directory shows useful info about each hotspot, including whether there’s a power outlet nearby. The site is aiming at being the leading place for info of all sorts about wirelessness. And the’ve snagged Glenn Fleischman as their editor-in-chief, a coup.
The site, on a quick inspection, looks really useful. In fact, it’s an idea that seems obvious once someone else has come up with it. (Too bad I have to connect to find out where to connect. Some of us don’t plan that far ahead… :) From a business point of view, I worry that the site will lose its value if wifi ever actually gets easy. That’s one reason it’s good to have Glenn on board; the site will quickly accrue ‘zine-y value.
BTW, the name “JiWire” comes from “Join Invisibly” and the company hopes it’ll catch on as a general purpose word. (It won’t.) And the “JI” in the logo is supposed to looks like the warchalking symbol for open access.
Categories: Uncategorized dw
I agree with most of your comments on JiWire. I think the site has a ton of information, and the addition of Glenn is a top notch move. I enjoyed his writing for a while now.
However, I do not believe JiWire’s Directory to be that top notch. First of all, many listings are repeated 4,5, and sometimes 6 times because of Roaming Partner Listings. I also am not that fond of the design of the directory, and find the map cluttered with all the little symbols, making it useless.
I found a site called The Hotspot haven. Link is below:
http://www.hotspothaven.com
This is a new directory Ive seen, and happen to like the design. I like the strategy they are taking by bringing Wi-Fi Marketing to a local level, for Cafe’s & Hotels. I love the directory and how the data is presented, and most of all, the Rating System. Give it a year, and I think there will be very useful information here for viewers to mull over when deciding whether or not shell out $20/month for wi-fi access.
I noticed there is only US listings now, about 6,000 of them. But I was told that maps for Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia are coming by end of year.
It’s worth a visit or two, especially when they cover more fo the world’s wi-fi hotspots!
Let me try that company Link again:
The HotSpot Haven