Zurker, A Social Network Owned By It's Members :)

Ok so this is not entirely to do with brewing but as brewers like to share on forums, twitter etc there is some relevance especially as social networks are becoming increasingly greedy and spammy.

Social Network Owned By It's Members

Having become very tired of the spam and bloat of facebook and constant battery of advertising, personal data use and other less obvious concerns, I have decided to keep a very close eye on new social networking site Zurker. Since the name first started cropping up on blogs, Tweets and stumbles earlier this year, there has been growing speculation and interest in the startup and it's continuing to grow.

The name Zurker at first struck me as a bit crap really but having now had a look around I can safely say that I am fascinated by it. Here’s why:

Zurker is owned by the members - me and, if you accept my invite and invite your friends,  you!

Here's your invite to Zurker.

To begin with, you have to be invited to become a member which gives it an element of exclusiveness and this in itself is not a new idea (Pinterest for example) but this does show you that Zurker wants their members to be serious about signing up.

They promise that all investment will come from the members in the form of vShares.

By inviting friends to join the network you earn a vShare. These don’t count as real shares until Zurker becomes a publicly traded company but it’s still a pretty good start and further incentive for members to put some time and effort into treating Zurker as a serious but still fun way to share with the important people in your life. You can also build networks with other people who share interests, hobbies etc - very similar to Google+ circles.

It's obvious Zurker wants you to refer as many friends as you can so that you get more shares, they don't hide this fact and there's a reward for doing so. How many friends invite people to use apps on FB for example, only to get nothing other than useless farmville credits but by doing that, send more revenue to the app developers.

On the subject of openess, Zurker also publishes it's revenue and out goings etc as Open Books for all to see, another bold move.

Encouraging people to invite new members allows the social network to expand, the bigger the better. You can also purchase vShares from as little as 1 euro (in my case) which at the moment is about £0.80 GBP or $1.29 (at today's exchange rates)... Not a lot considering the potential returns.

I am captivated by the idea of this startup and already set up my account.  I'm sick of social networks getting richer and richer by using our personal information and not giving a hoot about our privacy. It’s time for a big change in social networking and this could be just that.

You can find me on Zurker, sign up and say hi :)

Two Gites in an enclosed Courtyard of an 18th Century Charentaise House

Don't miss out out only a few weeks left, visit our website for more information on our properties.

As guests approach 18RMB and the gates open to reveal the full character of the Charentaise courtyard, they begin to understand why this beautiful 18th Century property holds such an attraction for budding artists. 



Previously a farm and cognac distillery, hosts Nigel and Carolyn are happy to welcome you to their home full of rustic charm.

A hamper of local French produce is provided on arrival.

The accommodation comprises two gites: La Grange, with 4 bedrooms, sleeping 8 (plus cots), and L’Etable sleeping 6 (plus cots) in 3 bedrooms. Each can be booked individually but a double booking is ideal for two families, or a large extended family. The gites are fully equipped with modern kitchen facilities and satellite TV, a DVD player and Wi-Fi. The extensive grounds and courtyard are tranquil allowing total relaxation or for the more active pool games, table tennis and boule are all provided.

Privite dining areas are provided in the courtyard and if you don't feel like cooking we are happy to provide three course evening meals or BBQ evenings on request at very reasonable prices.

Follow the link for more info, photos and direct contact with the owner of these Gites in Poitou Charentes.

Holiday let in the Rhone Alpes

Available for rent on weekly basis 295 - 495 euro, depending on season.  Local person on hand if needed, also cleaning person available.  All linen, towels etc provided at no extra charge.

Enjoy an authentic French experience.  The village is 'buzzy' all year round.  The house is situated in a quiet street behind the Grande Rue, where there is a bakery, local shops, 2 bars/cafe, Post Office, Tabac etc. 

You will find the house fully equipped and comfortable and the kitchen has modern conveniences.  

Fresh, local produce is available in the weekly market but just 2 km away there is a large supermarket and other large shops.

The village dates back to Roman times, hence the name - from Emperor Augustus!  The river Sye runs through the village and you can hire a kayak or find a sheltered spot to sunbathe.

Follow the link for more information, photos and direct contact with the owner of this holiday let in France.

3-4 month summer rental in Champagne-Mouton

Sleeping up to 8 people, this is a fantastic price for a renovated and furnished 3-bed property in a quiet hamlet, only 3km from the market town of Champagne-Mouton with its amenities.


It consists of a fitted kitchen, a utility room, a large sitting room with a stone fireplace and a downstairs WC.


Upstairs there are 3 large bedrooms (one with an en-suite bathroom) – 2 doubles, plus a 3rd with 2 sofa beds - all with access to balconies, plus another family shower room too.


Follow the link for more information, photos and direct contact with the owner of this long term let in Poitou Charentes.