Working for RapLeaf..

I recently started working for RapLeaf, the San Francisco based online reputation company. The idea of having a universal reputation system that can be used for both online and offline transactions is great and has a lot of potential. It would be great if RapLeaf becomes the universal standard for checking the reputation of strangers when transacting with them. This will greatly facilitate the trade online between strangers as the level of trust will improve. It will also have the impact of making the world more ethical as your reputation will precede whereever you intend to trade. However challenges exist that need to be handled and the community support will be essential for success. I encourage you to check out RapLeaf.

My Rapleaf reputation

Here is my rapleaf reputation:

Feedback Forum for all!!

I just learnt about this new company RapLeaf that is going to develop a feedback system for anyone buying and selling on the internet. It sounds like a great idea to me because of advantages it will have for individual buyers and sellers online. Anyone buying or selling online can leave feedback for anyone else. A big challenge like any other startup for RapLeaf will be to build the community of people. It will be interesting to see how it develops. I already like the idea though.

Silicon Beat

Silicon Beat is one of my best sources of information for tech activities in the silicon valley. It keeps me posted on the latest startup activity. I am posting this link with some interesting news articles..

Google Founders regulars at BM

"The Google Story" recounts the tale of the astounding success of what we now know as Google.
I recently read the book and was surprised when I found that Larry Page and Sergei Brin are regulars at BM. By the way, the book is an interesting read for anyone who plans to start a company.

Burning Man theme for 2006

The theme for BM 2006 has been completed and can be viewed at:
http://www.burningman.com/art_of_burningman/bm06_theme.html

My Brother's Debut Album

I recently financed my brother's debut album, which was released by Universal Music India Ltd in late Dec 2005. The album did very well in North India and was well recieved among the Indian community in US and UK as well. He was busy doing shows in India till March and is currently in the UK. He recently had his firsy baby boy and is spending most of his time with his newborn. God bless the baby. Here's a picture.
And also a link to my brother's website:
http://www.umusicindia.com/album.php?albumid=261&hotcom=1&category=1

Burning Man

Folks,
As you all know this year, Burning Man is from Aug. 28th to Sept. 4th. I am planning to work in the cafe this year and am also managing the stage for art presentations and musical performances. I am really excited and am regularly visiting the BM headquarters. I am also planning to spread the word about FON at BM to all the liberated souls that are the hallmark of BM.
Speaking of burning, I recently read this book Pyro Marketing which talks about building the fire for your product/service or whatever you are promoting.
Its a really good book for a lot of the folks that are into social causes and want to spread the word about their causes. I strongly recommend it.

Yahoo offering free wifi

I found this article about Yahoo planning a free wifi service in competition with google. Interesting read....http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/04/18/yahoo-testing-free-wifi-product/

FON.com Revolution

I recently learnt about FON.com. The company plans to provide free wifi access all over the world. Even though the company was started just about 4 months ago, it already has nearly 15000 Foneros (members of the FON community). The company already has secured funding from Google, Skype, and Sequioa Captial which speaks volumes about its potential. Obviously, there are teething troubles, but looking at the management team it seems like FON will make it.
I am convinced it will be the next Skype and has huge potential. I would encourage everyone to view FON.com and become a Fonero. And yeah, spread the word......Let all your friends know about it. The more the members of the Fonero community, the wider the free wifi access becomes. Lets help FON and lets help ourselves....
Lets make it happen.
I will send an email to the Burning Man network so that it reaches the current members which runs into thousands. And I am sure the BM network will love to embrace such a movement. I have already started spreading the word...

Hacker Cracker!

I read the hacker cracker by Ejovi Nuwere a couple of days ago. It is a really inspiring story of Ejovi Nuwere who was featured in the Business Week's top 25 entrepreneurs under 25. I also had to go through similar domestic issues including a broken marriage between my parents, financial distress, and continued fighting. But I was always spending my energy in learning new things, developing my knowledge base, and improving my personality. Ejovi found his outlet in computers and hacking. Having come through from such a neighbourhood where drugs and violence was rampant deserves accolades. I would recommend the book to anyone who would like to learn from the experiences of a highly successful entrepreneur.