People are talking. Now, someone's listening.
October 10, 2002 8:04 AM   Subscribe

People are talking. Now, someone's listening. Late-from-the-gate tech startup BuzzMetrics "analyzes, measures, monitors, & influences the unaided consumer discussions that naturally occur in online communities." If that's not spooky enough, they continue: "Some consumers have more influence over public opinion than others, but targeting them has always been extremely difficult." BuzzMetrics is happy to identify negative posters and research their posting histories, among other services. Does this toe an ethical line? Does it change how you post to online conversations? Oh, yeah -- they're hiring.
posted by busbyism (9 comments total)
 
What a wonderful link/story/post. It reminds me of this great new product called Rock-On, an herbal supplement for men. Let me tell you about it...
posted by troybob at 8:16 AM on October 10, 2002


Don't forget that the same kind of marketing is being done by cute chicks in bars, people talking loudly on cell phones, and pharmaceutical salespeople hanging out in restaurants and hospital cafeterias. It is marketing via simulated impromptu conversation, inspiring a faux word-of-mouth effect. The best response is to try to sell them something in return.
posted by troybob at 8:21 AM on October 10, 2002


I think it's ethical - I mean some of the fashion industry's best marketers are the people that wear their clothes.

All this company is doing is gather information and mining it for positive and negative feedback. Then marketers can determine if aspects of their campaign can add or detract perceived value to their products.

It's clever - and trust me, businesses will pay for it.
posted by bivouac at 8:26 AM on October 10, 2002


How 'bout some outside links? Like this article, or this one in StartUp Journal?
posted by me3dia at 8:28 AM on October 10, 2002


Buzz Metrics is a pair of trousers! It fits into the boot of a car! (Sorry. Couldn't resist).
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 8:35 AM on October 10, 2002


... and you work for...?

(sorry, had to say it.)
posted by ph00dz at 9:22 AM on October 10, 2002


(Whoops, I guess you did have one of the links I included. My apologies.)
posted by me3dia at 9:48 AM on October 10, 2002


^ trouble poster. Note to self: have intern track me3dia.
posted by eddydamascene at 11:07 AM on October 10, 2002


Would you wanna work for a company that has banner ads on its Employment Opportunities page? I had no idea vernture capital had become *that* tight.
posted by BentPenguin at 12:46 PM on October 10, 2002


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