[keenahn]

Gotta be honest, I don't see the point of this app. As it is right now, it's useless to me. What benefit is it to me to see that someone "blacklisted" UPS? Guess what, I still have to ship packages occasionally, I'm still going to use them.

Complaints about airlines... I'm guessing all airlines will be "blacklisted" eventually because guess what, delays are part of flying.

It just looks like a slightly more organized version of what Twitter and the Internet already largely is: people complaining. There already exist the BBB, ripoffreport, yelp.

So... what value does your app provide? How will you make money?

[valefebvre]

what you see for the moment is an early version of the product, so it's easy to drive conclusion based on that but let me tell you a little more. Blacklist aims to be the destination online for people to complain on their consumer experience (be it with brands or products). It's designed to empower consumer to have a voice on that matter and extend their reach on the web from that relevant platform. Think of it as a digital megaphone that leverages your voice when you want to get heard. Because when you complain, what counts is that you get the chance to get noticed in order to have interaction with the targeted parties or your social groups. Blacklist is built on that premise.

The aim behind the concept is to bring brands and companies closer for more aligned interactions. It's quite counter-intuitive but we'll create a "Defensive Marketing" channel as an opportunity for them to engage with their end-customers and be part of these conversation online about experience with their products & service. This will effectively provide them the chance to defend their reputation and manage their image in a genuine manner and in a public way.

It has been proven that an individual complaining online, that is then taken care of (and maybe eventually) and got his complaint resolved is far more inclined to turn into a praising customer (than a satisfied customer in the first place). In the same process the brand has the chance to show to others their engagement and care of end-users.

So on a psychological level it means that you-as a customer- you are important, your voice is valued and your experience/opinion matters.

Regarding other solutions out there today, I think they are well serving their own purpose like Yelp for local and others for more specific consumer reports. But Blacklist is focused on reacting and impacting on the brands & products experience that consumer have; anywhere anytime from any of their web-enabled device.