Rotten Reputation

There's a new site that has recently been launched. It is a mash-up that uses the Google Maps api and adds on a layer that allows users to comment on their neighbours. The comments are usually negative and the site is called Rotten Neighbor.

I'm not sure how useful this will be. It will simply be a site to vent anger and hatred; or as a way to play pranks on friends. It's fun as a bit of entertainment but I doubt it will be a useful tool to help pick a neighbourhood in which to live. But it still may be successful in terms of web traffic!

This site does illustrate an interesting point however. Our reputations are vulnerable online. If we do not have a strong online presence, we do not have a voice to defend against sites like these. As the web becomes increasingly interactive and social, it will be very easy to trash someone else. As individuals we need to be involved in the discussion in order to protect our own reputation.

Take these two landlord reviews for example:




Mold Problem:

Landlord renovated basement without permits. Black mold problem that has spread throughout three units of house, making previous tenants sick. Building not maintained well, freezing cold in winter. Landlord is also quite sexist and derogatory to female tenants.




Tight Ass:

The owner is a slum lord. Doesn't like to spend money to fix his investment.

Who knows if these statements are true or not. The landlords are unlikely to know that these comments exist and they're unable to give their side of the story.

Landlords rely on their reputation to attract and retain tenants. To protect themselves, they need a strong online presence. They need to be aware of where discussions that affect them are happening. As in the real world, landlords need to be approachable and responsive online. If landlords are not available to engage in an online conversation, if they can't address their critics, disgruntled individuals will take their comments elsewhere.