Print

[Urbi_et_Orbi]

A slow news day in SF as Prosper combs through their data for anything to suggest forward momentum.

http://blog.prosper.com/2010/10/04/prosper-achieves-1000000-peer-to-peer-lending-members-milestone/

Yet, according to roles defined over at Ericscc.com, the number of people who actually engage on the platform as registered lenders or borrowers are a mere tiny fraction of that number.
http://www.ericscc.com/stats/prosper-member-growth

Listing volume on Prosper remains at an all-time low - with no meaningful growth being observed.
http://www.ericscc.com/stats/prosper-listing-volume

In terms of bidding volume (not loan volume), Prosper is barely able to get to $200K per day.
http://www.ericscc.com/stats/bidding-activity

In this context, issuing a press release touting hundreds of thousands of sock-puppets, shill-endorsers, sub-prime wanna-be-borrowers and those who decided "thanks, but no thanks" as somehow validating Prosper...is simply sad.

(additional commentary, for the benefit of newbies: http://www.prospers.org/forum/prospercom_is_simply_not_sustainable_at_the_moment-t18322.0.html)

[ira01]

In this context, issuing a press release touting hundreds of thousands of sock-puppets, shill-endorsers, sub-prime wanna-be-borrowers and those who decided "thanks, but no thanks" as somehow validating Prosper...is simply sad.

Just wait until LC passes Prosper in total loan originations and starts widely advertising that fact and its status as the biggest P2P lending site -- I'm sure we'll see a ton of lame claims by Prosper in an effort to stay relevant.

[Urbi_et_Orbi]

I think you're right about that.  Prosper can clearly see the writing on the wall that their claim to be the largest player in the field is just months away from vaporizing, so it's time to attempt to re-frame a new definition that will allow them to continue to suggest their own relevancy.

I wonder if anyone has access to the actual number of users who have ever posted a listing or actually placed a bid on a loan?

Then, I'd be curious to know how many people fit that description within each calendar year since the inception.  That would be an interesting graph.

[Xenon481]

I think you're right about that.  Prosper can clearly see the writing on the wall that their claim to be the largest player in the field is just months away from vaporizing, so it's time to attempt to re-frame a new definition that will allow them to continue to suggest their own relevancy.

I wonder if anyone has access to the actual number of users who have ever posted a listing or actually placed a bid on a loan?

Then, I'd be curious to know how many people fit that description within each calendar year since the inception.  That would be an interesting graph.

That information should be readily mineable in the data download.

I think that one of the stats sites had a graph that showed the difference.

[mothandrust]

Eric'sCC shows about 175K new members in the last 2 years (since October 1, 2008), and new member signups is in a downtrend.

Did they have 725K members 2 years ago?

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

[ira01]

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

Yes, and yes.  Any account that was ever registered.

[112233]

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

Yes, and yes.  Any account that was ever registered.

kind of like counting the people in the cemetary and any person who ever filed a death certificate during a census

[ira01]

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

Yes, and yes.  Any account that was ever registered.

kind of like counting the people in the cemetary and any person who ever filed a death certificate during a census

Isn't that SOP in Chicago?   

[TotoMMB]

Eric'sCC shows about 175K new members in the last 2 years (since October 1, 2008), and new member signups is in a downtrend.

Did they have 725K members 2 years ago?

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

Should your 2nd # be 825K?

I wouldn't be surprised if they counted each function of an ID as separate members. So, "Joe Schmo - borrower, trader, group leader, instituional lender counts as 4 members, not just one.

[112233]

Are they counting as members all the endorser sockpuppets and the borrowers that defaulted?

Yes, and yes.  Any account that was ever registered.

kind of like counting the people in the cemetary and any person who ever filed a death certificate during a census

Isn't that SOP in Chicago?   

lol, yeah

[Navy-slush-fund]

poor old Prosper is on its death bed and you guys keep kicking it ! ( Im laughing while saying this )

[TotoMMB]

poor old Prosper is on its death bed and you guys keep kicking it ! ( Im laughing while saying this )

Only when it pops up to pound it's chest, does the kicking begin...

[Navy-slush-fund]

poor old Prosper is on its death bed and you guys keep kicking it ! ( Im laughing while saying this )

Only when it pops up to pound it's chest, does the kicking begin...

its like a sad comedy  ...its so bad its funny

[xraider]

poor old Prosper is on its death bed and you guys keep kicking it ! ( Im laughing while saying this )

Only when it pops up to pound it's chest, does the kicking begin...

We need a stake.

[Senator]

Lobby

+ how do I unregister?