Flink 12 - Addressing Facebook's Issues?

I've been lucky enough to get a sneak preview of a new service which launches today. It's called Flink 12, which is a wacky and interesting name, but more of that later.

We've all read about the various issues with privacy that concern Facebook. What started as a way to stay in touch with a group of friends, has turned into a bit of a monster. Without delving deep into the various and confusing privacy options on Facebook, it's all too easy to reveal too much to anyone who cares to look at your page.

In fact, I was recently caught out myself when someone told me they had got my home phone number from Facebook, and it turned out I had indeed posted it for all the world to see, without even realising I had done so!

Flink 12 gets around this by setting up small, individual networks of friends and family, with each being self contained. In other words your updates are only ever seen by the people in your own network.

As you'd expect, the service is fully integrated with mobile apps and the whole look and feel is very much Web 2.0.

Flink uses the phrase "Udderly private" to describe their network, and now would be a good to explain the name. A "Flink" is a collective name for a group of 12 cows, and no, I didn't know that either! So a Flink network will consist of just 12 people.

The service cleverly separates your updates into categories like mood, health, activity and events, so other people in your network can instantly get an update on any of those areas.

I'll certainly be trying Flink 12 out, and so should you. The great news is that the service is not only free, but the team are running a launch contest with the theme "Get your Flink on." I have a feeling this is going to be big, so do pass the information on to your friends. And watch the "Get your Flink on video!"

Check them out now: Flink 12