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Virtual souk is marketplace for, well, anything [The Daily Star, Beirut, Lebanon :: ](Daily Star, The (Beirut, Lebanon) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 29--BEIRUT -- Frustrated freelancers and service seekers in Lebanon have been united digitally through Feedeed, a new online marketplace. Something of a services souk, Feedeed allows individuals to advertise everything from custom logos to personalized lines of poetry or source code on the site. Bookkeeping, brochure printing, bespoke bird portraits and organic food deliveries are just a few of the 304 services posted on Feedeed to date. Clients can browse the colorful array of ventures already posted or, failing to find the service they need, can log a request with the Feedeed team, who are in touch with a vast network of freelancers with skills from ranging from computer programming to jewelry making. "If you're looking for something that's not on the site, we can find people," Chief Technical Officer Fida Ghibreel says confidently. Feedeed took off after Ghibreel and his co-founders spent three months in Amman with the business accelerator Oasis 500. In Amman, the team perfected their business model and marketing plan. The site, Ghibreel says, aims to help Lebanese harness their skills and hobbies. "Well, everyone here in Lebanon is working just to make ends meet. We're sending a message that you can do what you love and make some money doing it," Ghibreel told The Daily Star. "At the end of the day, every one of us has a talent," he adds. Even for those already profiting from their passions, like graphic designers or editors, Feedeed makes it easier to freelance or work from home, Ghibreel explained. In coordination with the site launch, the Feedeed team has started a social media campaign #HateTheDesk, which encourages those stuck in the corporate grind to do what they love in the spaces they feel most comfortable. "Work with a view" the Feedeed Twitter account counsels, alongside pictures of relaxed freelancers working on their computers by the sea. "The idea is that [with Feedeed] you can work anywhere," Ghibreel says. "It's a way out." Since the site was launched last week, 10 transactions have taken place -- a promising start, Ghibreel says. The platform's broad possibilities are being explored, with services ranging from drum lessons to slogan-making being offered. The most memorable posting to date, Ghibreel says, is a dabke dance video service. For $10, the enterprising provider promises to make a video of himself dancing dabke to your favorite song. The possibilities for paid services are endless. Almost, anyway. "Basically, you can't advertise anything illegal," Ghibreel said. Moreover, the site is focused around original, creative content. Advertising anything mass-produced is frowned upon in this creative online hive. Feedeed already has growth plans and intends to launch an Arabic language platform soon. "We're hoping to expand in the future," Ghibreel says. "And then we take over the world." ___ (c)2014 The Daily Star (Beirut, Lebanon) Visit The Daily Star (Beirut, Lebanon) at www.dailystar.com.lb/ Distributed by MCT Information Services |