User:WikiNickEN/A3

Xilp is a web based platform for people to make personal contacts. The community was founded in 2002. It could be counted to the social software. It's open for everyone, but because its user interface is in german language by now, most users are coming from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

There exist more entry pages in the so called XILP network than the front page. There are entry pages addressing singles, dancers and dancing partners and for people living around Hamburg.

The system offers numerous community functions like the creation of an own profile, the search for members, network of friends, user groups, a blog, an online quiz and a listing of schools and much more. More functions are planned and in preparation.

Most worth mentioning is the unique principle of communication, see under "operation and functionality".

The membership is free, but users can order a premium membership that includes additional functions. The change between free and premium membership is always possible.

The name XILP is a recursive acronym with the meaning "XILP: Internet Links People". On the page you can read: Your personal private network for friends, relatives and colleagues.

Operation and functionality
Registered users fill out their data in a personal profile, that contains numerous informations including private communication data (voluntarily) and define the access possibilities for each other member.

The outstanding communication princicple of XILP is called "principle of mutual sympathy". The means, a communication is possible only by mutual agreement. That process improves communication between members and reduces unwanted advertising (spam).

Users can upload one or several pictures. The first picture is taken as a thumbnail in search results and digests.

Incoming and outgoing mail between members could be managed online on XILP.

An newsletter informs optionally monthly about personal statistics.

A membership requires registration and acceptance of the community rules (terms of use ). Users agree to use the community for personal private use only. The must be 16 years old, for some premium usage 18 years (special payment method within germany). International users could use PayPal.

Review and criticism
Some users claims that the community provides a level of complexity. The reason for that may be the unique communication principle that may require a short period of orientation.

Software and company
The XILP platform was written by a software developer named Nils Lohse and is operated (ran) by its company named Opetus Software GmbH, located in Germany. The software is based on PHP and mySQL.