When Google first released Sidewiki I immediately got an email from a client asking me "What do you think of Sidewiki?" I hadn't made up my mind at that moment, because on the one hand it does invite community involvement.
Anyone can post their thoughts, opinions, suggestions, in that way it's an open forum and that's always a good thing for the free exchange of ideas.
But from a business perspective it's scary to know anyone can "tag" your website.
A few years ago I had a business with an office located on a prime location at the corner of one of the major cross streets in town.
Just outside was our sign and below that was a large white space, which someone took upon themselves to graffiti one day.
Obviously the graffiti wasn't affiliated with our business, but it kind of was.
I mean it was right there, beneath our sign.
It was linked to it.
When Google Sidewiki was released a few weeks ago it reminded me of that whole incident.
It's kind of a virtual wall of graffiti in my opinion that stays with your website for better or worse.
Anyone who has downloaded the Sidewiki tool bar can activate Sidewiki while browsing a website.
A sidebar then appears next to the website the person is viewing.
The sidebar not only allows that person to see everything anyone else has written but also allows them to add their own comments.
Therein lies the problem, because anyone can say anything without regard to bias or truthfulness.
Someone can write comments about a bad experience or even promote the competition! But businesses can do something about it.
The best way to protect your reputation is to embrace Sidewiki as part of your overall cyber public relations or social media plan.
Start the comments going.
Reply to others who comment.
Monitor it.
In short, get involved.
Create your presence on Sidewiki and be part of the discussion.
As they say, if you can't beat 'em join 'em.
You've got your rep to protect.