"This week, Diaspora announced two important dates: September 15, when the startup releases its open-source code to the community, followed by the expected release of the Diaspora client sometime in October.
"Is it possible for four young people, the ink barely dry on their NYU diplomas, to battle a social networking giant and win? Is there enough pent-up anger against Facebook to translate into a wholesale exodus from the site?
"These young upstarts could have a chance. Last spring, I posted a poll asking the following question: “If a credible Facebook alternative came along, would you switch?” I got 621 responses; and an overwhelming majority, 417 of those responding, chose the response: “In a heartbeat.” "
