I've been working on similar concepts very seriously for some time now. I like www.YUB.com and the direction they are heading but there seems to be way too much emphasis on Social Networking. Yes, it can work, but simply utilizing the term does not establish 'grass roots' marketing success. This requires not only hard work, but the ability to tap into my research. Let's see is YUB in California now? Looks like they all moved out here from Cambridge. That was certainly a good move.

Buy.com Rolls Out Loyalty Program
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Aliso Viejo-based Buy.com has rolled out a loyalty program based on its Yub.com web site, where shoppers at Buy.com and other stores get a 1% rebate on purchases. The Yub.com site puts a shopping spin on social networking, by promoting the ability of friends to recommend products to their friends and others and receive 1% of the purchase of those goods. Buy.com said that it will also offer a yearly, subscription program where shoppers can earn up to 15% back on their purchases. The Yub.com site was recently launched encourages users to upload photos and share information about themselves--along with reviews of products carried by Yub.com retailers.

?The effect of like-minded consumers sharing product information and being able to act on that information and purchase their friend?s recommendations in one destination is explosive,