I like web apps and services that have the understood purpose of helping people out.
I think technology, as narcissistic as it is, can sometimes creep out of the hole of self and land victorious on a hill of altruism, or something close to it.
And Moontoast is trying to do that with their new educational service where they enable people to help other people:
Moontoast is primarily designed around the experts’ needs and allows them to create a profile, list their expertise, host online video and chat sessions, set their rates, receive payment for services, and essentially create an online office space for teaching. People searching for help, training, tutorials, and anything else can use the site to find the teacher of their choice and view how other pupils have rated that individual.
Moontoast does an amazing job at delivering a marketplace that is tailored to their specific mission and audience. Not only can experts conduct a video and chat session right on the site to share their wisdom or talent, but they can also take advantage of the calendar to indicate to potential students when they’re available, as well as accept and view new appointments with little to no hassle.
Just think of the possibilities! Remember, you don’t have to necessarily charge anything for your service, but you can!
What if you wanted to…
- Teach others to use web technology effectively in a 1:1 type scenario?
- Train other leaders in specific skills.
- Coach others in a number of different things.
- Provide counseling and care 1:1 via the service. (I think of Rhett Smith)…
The list goes on and on.
What could you use it for?
Adam_S says
So I went over to Moontoast and tried it out. I signed up as an expert in helping you to create non-profit organizations (that is part of what I do as a job). I thought that was easy to communicate and would work well for a service like this. What I don't understand is there credits. I could find nothing about how to purchase or spend credits. Are they just points? I saw that I got 1000 for signing up. So if that is the case they are valued pretty low. This will never be a serious service unless people have the ability to get paid. I am glad to help people out occationally and a lot of my work I do pro-bono. But I am not going to randomly give of my time to help a lot of people I don't know. I am glad to help you if I know you and I know that what you are doing is worthwhile. For an online service like this I would want to get paid, even if it is not much.
Jason Taylor says
John, saw this yesterday on Mashable and was pretty excited. I could definately use this to share coaching. All the coaching I do is via the telephone and there's an increasing need to do more via video as well.
human3rror says
Seriously! let us know if you do it!
Jim says
It would definitely be useful as a training tool. You could use it as a team-coaching project to a specific group of peers or students. I will pass this on to the guys in the training institute.
bucky Moontoast founder says
thanks to all of you for your support and critisism!!! the 1000. free credits was unfortunatly monopoly beta test money. you now can buy and earn real credits, valued at one us dollar each. as a believer, I am very excited in the churchs interest in MT. I have felt “the presence” constantly in the development of MT and will do my best to honor this. wait till we launch the “moontrust”, our altrustic arm. I believe this group will make it very easy to do good for others. some time this summer. once again, thank you all so much for your support. bucky baxter [email protected]
Peneunsulge says
Thanks for the tip!!!