When we first heard about a “Yelp for People” that helped users build their professional reputation by letting people anonymously review them online, we were so excited. Yay, we said to ourselves, there just aren’t enough ways to facelessly undermine individuals on the Internet. But now that Unvarnished.com has a new SNL-sketch-ready name (Honestly.com) and $1.2 million from its impressive new investors (Delicious founder Joshua Schachter, Ron Conway’s angel group, and First Round Capital), would it pack the same punch? Once only open to employees from a preselected group of tech companies, or by invitation, the site is now game to anyone with a Facebook account. Over the last six months, 61 percent of profiles were given a five-star rating, with only 2 percent bottoming out at one star. Co-founder Peter Kazanjy says fewer than ten users have complained. But not to worry, mean-spirited masses! Despite being able to verify identities through Facebook Connect, monitoring users who only give negative reviews, and incentivizing accurate comments, reviews will still be anonymous. Let the flame wars begin! Also, we meant to say, this is such a lovely new website, please only write nice things about us on it. Thank you.
Unvarnished Becomes Honestly.com, Raises $1.2 Million And Opens The Floodgates [TechCrunch]
Honestly.com, a “Yelp for People,” Opens Up, Gets Funding, and Rebrands [Fast Company]
