As I mentioned in one of my Short Takes, I emailed Klout to ask about opting out of being rated and sold. I did get an answer telling me that since Twitter (and my account) is public, they’d continue to collect data and rate me. Plus, Klout members or any app that used their API could view the score.
They continued with a few sentences on how not having a Klout account would mean I wouldn’t be able to receive Klout perks. Had no idea what they were talking about until a chance tweet by @johnreeder linking to his Klout perk for a DVD of “Men of a Certain Age.” And another from @jasonsandquist about his free kiddie movie tickets perk.
Turns out those were puny offers – nothing compared to the free stays in Las Vegas hotels or laptops. Looking into the perks more, I read that Klout wants you to sign up so you can “benefit” from your “influence”…though they’re referring to it as using your “social capital.” They even offer tips on how to increase your influence (oops…I mean social capital credits…). Tweet and retweet more, for example.
How easy will this be to game? If someone starts tweeting about laptops, retweeting reviews and following computer brands, will they get a shot at a laptop? As for accuracy, John and Jason couldn’t figure out how their perks were chosen. But apparently, it’s been close enough for the plenty of people who have taken the perk. They have to provide a review and if they tweet about it, have to note that they got whatever it was for free (and a Klout mention would be nice…).
While I didn’t think too much of Klout or the whole rating thing, I have to admit, I thought they were up to something bigger than just being a digital shopper’s card. Instead of filling out surveys or tracking what I buy at the checkout, they track what I tweet and offer me free stuff. Big data… Big deal!
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