When I first heard about OpenLabel’s idea for an app, I initially thought out loud in solitude, “Not another soon-to-be-defunct barcode scanning app!” But as I read more, I realized that OpenLabel’s new app was a crowd-sourced solution designed to provide more transparency on products and brands. For example, not only would a barcode contain price information, but it would contain other data such as the environmental impact of the product and whatever other information that consumers wanted to share with society.
The idea isn’t original but the timing seems to be right as crowd-sourcing is becoming more commonplace. However, since OpenLabel will not be monitoring any of the user input, the potential defamation of brands is increased and could result in lawsuits against both the start-up and its user base. In addition, even if this app becomes successful and profitable, I do not think brand loyalty would succumb to its effects.
February 19th, 2012 21:08
I’m curious who will offer the brand information. Is this program financed by government?
February 19th, 2012 21:15
Its not financed by gov’t according to preliminary data I have read on the matter. If I understand your first question correctly, brand info comes from any contributor, like Wikipedia.