Online Reputation Management

On my last post, for the benefit of new subscribers, we stepped backward by reviewing what web 2.0 is. On this issue, allow me to discuss online reputation and responsible use of digital media.

In one fora, someone asked me, “sir, what is an online reputation?”. I replied, “try typing your name in search engines [google, yahoo, bing] then analyze the results.

1. What is on the first page?
2. [assuming you own a blog or maintain different SNS accounts like Facebook & Twitter] Do you see your online accounts/profile?
3. Are others talking about you?
4. Can they find your work?

You may repeat the exercise, this time do it inside Social Networking Site where you maintain an account. i.e., Facebook, Multiply, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plurk.

We are in the age of digital media where distance and time is no longer an issue when accessing information. When your potential client or employer, or even old classmates or friends, or long lost relative tried to locate you using web 2.0 applications, they will do what you just did and may get similar results. Unless you don’t like what your current online reputation is [or lack of it] and would want to take action.