Invite only social network business Ello generated publicity by promising an ad free and privacy focused model.
The firm has issued a manifesto in which the start up targets Facebook users unhappy with the social giant’s privacy and advertisement policies.
The site, which started as a private social network, has opened a public version on invitation-only basis.
It is reportedly getting more than 35,000 requests per hour, and invitations are being sold for up to $500 on ebay.
Ello blog states: "Collecting and selling your personal data, reading your posts to your friends, and mapping your social connections for profit is both creepy and unethical. Under the guise of offering a free service, users pay a high price in intrusive advertising and lack of privacy."
Ello generates revenue by offering special features to its users for a cost.
The website is backed by $435,000 in venture capital.
