SocialYell.com is a new forum in beta that allows users to rate and discuss businesses and organizations based on their positive or negative impact on the world.
The site says their mission is to promote social and ecological responsibility. This sounds like a very positive message; however I wonder if such a forum will actually force companies to translate calls-to-action into good deeds.
The site is subdivided into 5 categories: environment, health, social equity, consumer advocacy and charity. According to founder David Rostan, SocialYell users post ratings not just for the sake of determining which organizations are more popular, but to hone in on specific company initiatives that spotlight companies on the right track (and those that should be).
So far there are around 72 businesses listed with various ratings. To highlight an example, here is some feedback on Dell:
Dell does not use any toxic materials in the manufacturing of their energy efficient computers. They have programs that work to reduce emissions in their shipping and logistics operations and offer a recovery and recycling program for their customers’ old computers at no charge.
As far as I could tell, most of the discussions about companies where positive – not surprising considering several of the companies listed seemed to be in the health food or organic industry.
Popularity: unranked [?]
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