money

The idea of social capital and online reputation systems has been referenced in a number of science fiction stories, the most recent and best known being Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow. The novel is set in a post-scarcity future where money has been replaced by a digital reputation system called 'whuffie'.

Contribute to society practically or creatively and your whuffie levels increase, as does your levels of respect and social esteem. Antisocial behaviour causes whuffie levels to decrease, and one can also send 'sympathy whuffie' for those in need.

The Whuffie Bank is a not for profit organisation aiming to create a reputation system based on active participation in social networks. Open an account with the Whuffie Bank and they will look at the content of your Twitter feed. The more your links, quotes and messages are re-tweeted or clicked on the higher your monthly Whuffie earnings. You can also 'spend' Whuffie credits by sending them to other users with an explanation of why you are sharing your Whuffie with them.

In The Whuffie Factor, author Tara Hunt connects the idea of Whuffie to the Free Open Source Software (FOSS) movement to explain why networks of programmers give their time for free, and how the music industry loses whuffie every time they prosecute a music fan.

Catch MsBehaviour on Radio Wammo, Kiwi FM on Wednesday December 2nd after the 9 am news talking about The Whuffie Bank, reputation systems and social capital.