links for 2009-02-05

Pick a framework, any framework. Nice list of some of the options.

Some consumer watchdog sites are rumored to be shakedown schemes, but suggesting a bribe is still not the way to start the conversation with a critical blogger. The email you send can easily be the subject of a follow-up post. Remember the old advice about not doing or saying anything you wouldn't want on the front page of the newspaper?

Don't fear negative comments or ratings. That's your customers telling you where the problems are so you can fix them.

Look up people based on Twitter or FriendFeed handles. The search capability is limited, but look at the output: links to the person's presence on other social media sites and blogs (and more?). It's a quick way to find more from people you know to be on Twitter or FriendFeed. Oh, and another reminder that your use of social media is public unless you're very careful with privacy settings. Real name lookup across more services would make this a power tool.

Overview of a customer rating site that's more focused on customer service than product reviews. Interesting comments on how the site prevents fake reviews and allows reviewed companies to resolve issues.