There is a new search engine called yoName that helps consumers find individuals using popular social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, LinkedIn, Digg and Xanga by name, username or e-mail address.
The rise in popularity of social networking Web sites, with individuals often using more than one, has driven the need for yoName, according to its Encino, Calif.-based creators.
yoName developers said the search engine “turns your computer into a private detective,” which may not be well-received by those that believe the Internet and related tools help stalkers and other undesirables locate people. The site’s terms and conditions section includes a disclaimer saying that it doesn’t endorse stalking in any way, shape or form.
It appears the goal of yoName’s creators is to sell the site. "Our goal is to create a site that brings people closer together within the online community, and then to have Yahoo! or Google buy that site from us for $300 billion dollars,” they say on the site.
A link encourages potential suitors to contact the entrepreneurs.
The need for search functionality is climbing quickly, especially with mobile video services and user-generated sites, where users are presented with an array of content, but need help in locating specific programming of interest in an simple and quick manner.
yoName www.yoname.com
