As many of you splendid readers undoubtedly know, the social media flavor of the week is Ello, the vaunted anti-Facebook.

From Yahoo! Tech:

‘Anti-Facebook’ Social Network Ello Gets Viral Surge

In a matter of days, the new social network Ello, described as the “anti-Facebook” for its stand on privacy and advertising, has become perhaps the hottest ticket on the Internet.

Created last year as a “private” social network, Ello (www.ello.co) recently opened its doors on an invitation-only basis.

So the hardworking staff asked for one.

And here’s what we got back:

In other words, take a number, numbnuts.

Meanwhile, The Manifesto:

Your social network is owned by advertisers.

Every post you share, every friend you make and every link you follow is tracked, recorded and converted into data. Advertisers buy your data so they can show you more ads. You are the product that’s bought and sold.

We believe there is a better way. We believe in audacity. We believe in beauty, simplicity and transparency. We believe that the people who make things and the people who use them should be in partnership.

We believe a social network can be a tool for empowerment. Not a tool to deceive, coerce and manipulate — but a place to connect, create and celebrate life.

You are not a product.

We’re also not invited to join Ello yet. But so far we’re not taking it personally, due to this:

Because of the limited supply and strong demand, the invitations have been selling on eBay at prices up to $500. Some reports said Ello is getting up to 35,000 requests per hour as a result of a viral surge in the past week.

Full disclosure: We don’t have $500. But we will keep you posted.

For free.