Here’s an interesting project I saw tonight on Scriptlance…

Forget “real” comments — you can just pay others to create buzz on your behalf!

Using a false name, email address and URL.

GENUINE testimonials create authenticity. As technology becomes more pervasive (invasive!) the issue of TRUST will be harder and harder to communicate between vendor and client. The above project is exactly the reason why.

You could argue the project’s owner is simply short-cutting his or her way to an end result, as they’ll control the name, email address, URL and comment — all they want is someone to do it for them. But it’s a fine line between that point and just creating comments out of thin air.

So how in future will you convey trust? Visual and audio testimonials will be more important. So will a folder of original letters (not emails) signed and dated. So will the use of full names and locations (”meaningful specifics”), not anonymous initials that look fake. As authenticity gets harder to prove, those that make the effort will be better rewarded.

Do you believe everything you read?