Kiva Versus Prosper?

[AnthroAndStargate]

So thanks to other ATOT members I found a link to Prosper which seems like a really cool concept. I would love to help people out and make a few bucks. Is this a good way to make small amounts of money? I'm thinking over time you could grow your initial investment as long as you invested carefully and were repaid on your loans.

Is Kiva (link) like this? I would really love to help micro finance some newly emerging business in the developing world - and Kiva is the place to do it. Do you still plan on "making money" on Kiva or is it simply a charity donation that you get back w/ no interest?

Anyone who has experience with either of these sites please share your wisdom!

 

[Cuda1447]

Kiva looks like a REALLY REALLY bad idea. Thats lending internationally, to people that seem like they would be a MAJOR risk. How's that lady from Pakistan selling 3 cows a month going to repay you? And wtf does she care if she does repay you. I doubt she has any credit.

 

[AnthroAndStargate]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
Kiva looks like a REALLY REALLY bad idea. Thats lending internationally, to people that seem like they would be a MAJOR risk. How's that lady from Pakistan selling 3 cows a month going to repay you? And wtf does she care if she does repay you. I doubt she has any credit.

Well thats why I want to do both. Prosper would be to make a bit of cash but Kiva would be to help out the world a little bit. I don't understand how people would be against it. I assume everyone wants to show that capitalism can work for the better good worldwide - heres the chance to show it imho. Plus the things on Kiva are often administered by Peace Corps people and what not so they have a little logistical help.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: AnthroAndStargate

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
Kiva looks like a REALLY REALLY bad idea. Thats lending internationally, to people that seem like they would be a MAJOR risk. How's that lady from Pakistan selling 3 cows a month going to repay you? And wtf does she care if she does repay you. I doubt she has any credit.

Well thats why I want to do both. Prosper would be to make a bit of cash but Kiva would be to help out the world a little bit. I don't understand how people would be against it. I assume everyone wants to show that capitalism can work for the better good worldwide - heres the chance to show it imho. Plus the things on Kiva are often administered by Peace Corps people and what not so they have a little logistical help.

Capitalism != throwing your money out the window.