WTI Magazine #43    2014 September, 17
Author : buonenotizie.it      Translation by:

A social network dedicated to thanks and gratitude is the new proposal by Enrico Adinolfi. 34 years old, he was born in Salerno but has lived long in the USA. The story of Enrico and and eThanks - his virtual creature - obstinately travels against the direction of the brain drain that nowadays drives so many young Italian people to seek their fortune elsewhere.

Despite the difficulties and the rugged terrain, Enrico has decided to develop his idea in Italy and in doing it he has created new jobs. "I have traveled a lot and lived in several cities – he says - but since I was a child my dream has always been to make a positive contribution to the territory where I was born and to which I am closely linked. I believe that Internet is the key to break down those logistic barriers that are so much penalizing our country".

But how exactly works eThanks? eThanks are a virtual currency, exchangeable between users and collectable. In fact, the platform calculates the value of each user based on the eThanks, but the richer - this is new - are those who give more than those who receive.

eThanks has only a few months, but with the goal of getting known by as many as possible Enrico chose an unconventional medium: a van from the 70s named Charlotte, which led the team on a trip aimed at gathering contacts and feedback. The "Tour of Gratitude" brought eThanks in Catania, Naples, Rome, Bologna, Milan and Sestriere: an original gimmick and a real dive in real life. "We are also in contact with many non-profit organizations – Enrico says - and third sector organizations with which we will begin collaborations, and eThanks will soon be serving businesses that want to stand for courtesy and helpfulness".

But what matters is teamwork, even more when the team is young. "I've done the first steps all by myself", but then the support of four friends has been critical to Enrico. "eThanks also enjoys the contribution of a lot of young professionals attracted by the spirit and the values that animate the community: we owe them for the videos, communication and graphics. The oldest here is 35 years old, the youngest 20".