UN Wants Whuffie to Talk to Bloggers

"The U.N. would like to pretend it doesn't understand blogging. Last night, over drinks and dinner, members of U.N. organizations asked us about blogging and internet publishing, stressing their desire to participate in the conversation, but only if it didn't waste their time. "How do we tell who is legit and who is a looney?" asked Stephane Dujarric, Deputy Communications Director, Office of the Secretary General. Pretty much all the bloggers assembled reminded him that without actually getting to know the writers in question, you really don't—just like with mainstream outlets."

Pasted from BoingBoing's new 'gadget' section by Joel Johnson

World leaders hungry for social reputation. Hmnnn.

The Day the Whuffie Started

TrustPlus went live today. Just as Cory Doctorow predicted in Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom. While I think there are those who cheer, and those jeer, I think I might be those who fear. Reps on the net right now are built and established independently with little interference. Remember that whuffie in DOIM was not exactly a good thing. In the book the reader is placed in a dystopian reality by the coldness of digital technology combined with sociopathic behavior and biomodification.

I might immediately note that there appears to be no middle ground or ambivalence in their 6 icon rating system. It looks like you are a small, medium, large minus or a large, medium, small plus. Thats a little draconian. I also note the video (below) uses manipulation by subtly suggesting we should be afraid of trusting the wrong folks.

This is like crack for control freaks. You know the type. The ones who insure their insurance.

Those on the good side of it will think it is great. The question I want to know is how does one get on the bad side?

via nu via mashable

xkcd.com

Cory Doctorow in full blogging regalia. What a hipster.

Annotating the physical world with the digital.

Below cartoon from xkcd

Cory dishes bad Whuffie to Fox Rent a Car

It sounds like Fox needs to adjust it's business practices and train and update it's customer service. I find it interesting that an 'A list' blogger like Mr.Doctorow uses the social network to retaliate for poor service. Pretty darn effective. On his merit alone I would avoid Fox. How will this change the face of future business modeling? Negative trackable whuffie. Learn more on the clue train here.

update: some don't find it interesting at all, like 'advocate' at the newly published and blogrolled BoredOfBoingBoing.

update: Apollo Lee says Fox has never done him wrong but had a very similar experience at Alamo right here in Boise, Idaho no less.

Verdict rental car and hosptitality operations need clearly understood policy on debit cards. Banks could do better at explaining the difference between the two, also.