Network lets drivers call each other on the road
Can’t we all just get along, and call each other on the highway?
A new Web company called SameLane.com has developed a network that allows people driving around to find out who else is interested in taking calls from other drivers.
The founders say this is a natural extension of the social networking idea, translated to people inside cars, trucks and SUVs.
Of course, anyone considering this service must and should use a hands-free phone. No one should be driving and holding a phone at the same time. In fact, in July 2008, that very act will become illegal in Washington state.
It works this way. You sign up at the Web site and register your cell number and your license plate number. Then you get a sticker you put on your rear window or for your bumper, announcing you’re in the SameLane network. Anyone who sees the sticker can call the number pasted on it and then plug in the other car’s license number. That will connect you to the other person’s phone.
The company behind the idea said it’s sort of equivalent to chatting to the person next to you in line for coffee. We hope that’s all it is.
The caller doesn’t need to be registered with SameLane. Only the person making the call is charged for the call.
One nice feature: whoever makes the call has his or her ID blocked, to maintain privacy.
CitizenSpeak
We’re only a year away from the most expensive U.S. presidential race ever, and it’s time to start getting politically active.
For nonprofit groups looking to activate their community on a specific topic, the Web has a number of great sites that give you a full menu of online tools.
One of the best, CitizenSpeak.org, is a free, open source e-mail advocacy service for grassroots organizations. In part inspired by the well-known MoveOn campaigns, CitizenSpeak gives an organization a simple-to-manage group of free tools. The tools include a handy e-mail tracking package that lets a group send messages and keep track of results.
The site also offers groups a free software kit so anyone can build and maintain an interactive Web site.
The people who run CitizenSpeak say they rely on donations to keep the site operating.