Websites with Great Intentions

Yesterday I couldn't take my mind off of web apps that have a great agenda in mind.  When I think of this I immediately think of wikileaks. This site allows people to anonymously upload secret documents that they feel the world needs to see.  Then an open community can view, discuss and interpret these documents.  The primary intent is to provide a safe means of leaking sensitive documents about oppressive regimes. Clearly its uses will transfer will transfer easily between governmental and corporate wrongdoings.

Another obvious one is Kiva where everyday people can connect with other everyday entrepreneurs in the developing world and lend them small loans.  This is obviously an incredible resource for those in need. I am unsure though, why it is I am more impressed with something like wikileaks. 

I think perhaps the more contrarian the idea the more I like it.  That is maybe part of it.  Also i suppose wikileaks seems as if it is potentially more useful for anyone.  Kinda of like Craigsist. Craigslist serves such a huge community and makes so many things possible for so many people.  If Craig had been interested in more profit he certainly could've gotten it with advertisement or fees for more types of postings.  But he didn't and hasn't.  This is another thing that impresses me, a core commitment to the service provided to the community instead of simply a commitment to maximum financial gain.  That is fairly contrarian these days right?

In thinking about it I guess it is maybe three things that can impress me about these types of sites. 

1.How committed are they to serving their community and the cause over making a profit? 

2.How main stream is their goal or idea? Less is better. 

3.How available is it to everyone? 

By available I mean how much more does it take for someone to make use of this site? Do they need a telephone, do they need a digital camera, do they need extensive technical knowledge, knowledge in some other sphere, do they need money? Or can people make good use and benefit from a site by using a public library computer to sign on once a week.  Sites like craigslist and wikileaks which are easily available to a wide community but can supply such invaluable services are the ones I'm most impressed with.