There are dozens of travel networks out there and on first blush, they all seem to present the same thing. Live, fresh content from you, the traveler, relevant advertising, decent hosting for your travel blog and photos, and forums for travelers to trade tips and information. Ross Borden of Matador Travel - "for a passionate world" is their tagline - agreed to answer some questions about what makes Matador different, environmentalism and travel, and where he wants to go next.

There are lots of different travel networks - Boots n' All, Travelbloggers, IgoUgo... why should I join Matador and not one of the other networks?

Matador is different--and in my opinion--better than anything else out there for two reasons:

By focusing on cultural immersion and positive global development we are creating a community on a mission. Most travel sites are created by web developers and travel consolidators using technology to push existing inventory. We are using powerful tools and technology, authentic experience, shared values and the power of affinity to pull passionate travelers into the fully featured Matador community. When you read through the profiles of people on Matador, you'll quickly find that this is not just "a MySpace for travel." Every member of the Matador community is intensely passionate about something. Whether it's organic farming in New Zealand, researching endangered monkeys in Vietnam, or finding adventure in Alaska, this community has a heart beat that you can feel as you read blogs and articles and interact with people. Let's face it: most social networks become glorified dating sites. This isn't happening at Matador because we're more interested in the profile question about "collaborating to make a difference in the world", than asking, "what body type are you?"

The other reason Matador is different, is that the site incorporates rich social features that allow our community members to connect and collaborate on a deep level that goes far beyond "travel blogs." When I get travel advice from somewhere on the Internet I need to be sure that the author shares tastes and preferences with me. On most sites, it's difficult to get a solid handle on who these people are. There was a recent article in the SF Chronicle travel section about how many "reviews" on bigger sites are now artificially planted by computer programs to promote their own trips/cruises/packages. IgoUgo, one of the biggest travel blogging sites, is owned by Sabre--a huge travel conglomerate. The temptation to promote other deals/trips from the same company is too great. Matador doesn't have an agenda--we are a grass roots travel site--and on Matador, you can see not only who wrote the article or blog, but learn a lot about who that person is, ask them questions directly, and get other tips about your trip.

What do you look for when you're selected featured material for the site from the hundreds of posts on your network?

I look for people who are traveling off the beaten path, going out of their way to experience the authentic culture of a region, and most of all--giving something back. So much of travel is all about consumption. People go to a destination, eat the food, take photos, and leave without really interacting with the indigenous people who live there. These people are tourists. Matador is for travelers and we believe travel should be about reciprocity. Whether it's finding that hole in the wall with authentic Yucatan dinning, or volunteering at a local school for a day, I have always found that sticking with the locals and staying away from the tourists is the best bet for a truly rewarding trip and it is the travelers who do this best, that make it to the Matador homepage.

I've been reading - and was asked - recently about whether or not travel is a luxury item. What are your thoughts on this?

I think travel is definitely a luxury. Every time I travel the experience provides a way to become ever-less ignorant about the world. This education is a luxury, and anyone lucky enough to travel shouldn't take it for granted--being able to travel almost anywhere in the world--I think many Americans do.

I've also been reading lots about carbon neutrality. This is a big deal for travelers, we spend a packet to fly across the planet burning whopping amounts of fuel to go on eco-tourism vacations. What do you think about the convergent zone between environmentalism and travel?

This is something we've grappled with a lot at Matador. It is our belief that if you do something positive for a local community or environment when you travel, you achieve the real version of "responsible" or "earth friendly" travel. Our mission at Matador is to help people find these opportunities and get inspired to join in efforts that will make our rapidly-changing world a better place.

If you could leave home tomorrow on a blank check, where would you go and why?

Mozambique or Madagascar! I am obsessed with Africa and the plight of its people. I have traveled extensively in East Africa and I think the continent in general offers the richest intersection of raw beauty, off-the-beaten-path adventure--and opportunities to give back.

What's always in your bag when you travel?

I hate to give you a generic answer, but I'd have to say, I-pod and some big headphones...whether you're lying on the beach or scrunched into a seat on a 14 hr bus ride through the third world country, music goes hand in hand with travel.

Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at Nerd's Eye View.