 OUR TAKE -
Opinions and Agendas
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No matter how rich you become, how famous or powerful, when you die the size of your funeral will still pretty much depend on the weather.
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Michael Pritchard
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The ideas of accountability and transparency seem to fly in the face of the bigger web forces of volume and velocity. The prevailing belief is that networks should operate with little control and standards open to anyone with an opinion . . . or an agenda.
And that is the problem. When I read a product review or recommendation posted by someone I don't know, I am unable to tell if I am getting an opinion or if I'm getting someone's agenda. Social networks may be able to get away with an "anything goes" approach, but I don't believe the same lack of standards and policies automatically apply in the world of social commerce.
CRMAdvocate reader input seems to lean more on the side of allow anonymous postings from everyone without standards, a "let the buyer beware" approach. The other group of reader responses is hopeful for more checks and balances that can lead to trust and credibility. Common to both sides is a bit of skepticism on the practicality of trying to raise the standards.
But if the consumer cannot determine opinion from agenda, the default will almost surely be a lack of trust. In my opinion, that's not a good thing for business. This is not a time for weenies That's my take. What's your take?
Gary Lemke, Publisher
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As of 4:00 p.m. on 5/19/09 |
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