Real names make this a non-starter for me, but I love the concept.
Note: “Weave lets you start conversations with friends under an alias.” I took this to mean users are expected to connect with friends who are also on the platform, and anonymous discussions arise only within or some specified distance from the user’s friend network.
Interesting idea. I was ready to sign up, but stopped at "real names only" on the sign-up form. Why can't I choose to reveal my identity to Weave later, once ready, or never?
This is great a social networking platform that actually has a unique usability twist!
This form of gradually gaining trust to learn ones real identity feels like a part of real life that is missing online. So many more of my interactions in real life are some form of anonymous or vague idea of who someone is. Those interactions don't come with a dossier of their interactions with others for me to browse or judge them on. This feels closer to that.
It will be very interesting to see how people take to this.