To be able to validate the model I propose I'll need to analysis some user behaviour. I just found an interesting corpus the Enron e-mail database. So if I have trouble with the Ethics committee and the several collections of messages that I have I'll use this and other corpus I've found through theinfo.org. and datawrangling.com.

Deigueiredo and Barr have an interesting paper TrustDavis: A Non-Exploitable Online Reputation System. In their paper they discuss the problem of identity. I propose to avoid the problem by using a developing trust signature sort of similar to the web-of-trust (explanation and analysis) or Friend-of-a-Friend but constructed using an individual's online behaviour (see Goldbeck's paper on Semantic Web Interaction through Trust Network Recommender Systems)

McLuhan proposed the tetrad as an alternative means for discussing the effect of technology on society.

In today's online society geeks' reputations are better than rock stars.

I've just been listening to Seth Goldstein's talk on Applications for the New Attention Economy. He mentions you might devote attention to reading a Thomas Hardy book based on the author's reputation. I might argue that you wouldn't based on the author's reputation for writing books that are difficult to understand. He discusses "attention bonds" and reputation. He compares "mortgage bonds" which made housing more affordable. It is interesting to note the problem with sub-prime lending and housing. Later he asks who do you pay attention to? One answer is people you trust.