9 Questions - Aldo Castañeda
Recently I discovered the blog The story of Digital Identity. Aldo Castañeda has a podcast about (the future of) digital identity. An important theme in his interviews is trust. This is one reason why his story is relevant for the Helpalot project. Aldo was willing to answer 9 Questions about his blog and he also gave some good feedback for the project.
1. Can you give a quick introduction of yourself?
I’m currently a JD/MBA (law / business) degree candidate at Suffolk University in Boston. Although I was previously involved in various internet start-up companies I’m currently studying Intellectual property law toward receiving a “Concentration” in that sub-speciality. Toward that end I have written my thesis regarding digital identity and Kim Cameron’s Laws of Identity which I hope to have published sometime this fall (2006).
2. Why was The Story Of Digital Identity brought to life?
Well, I believe digital identity technologies are increasingly relevant to evolution of the next phase of global communications systems and markets. When I was trying to learn more about digital identity over a year ago I was frustrated that so little information was available or what was available was all textual. So I decided to create a podcast that featured leaders in the field of digital identity (and related fields) to help me and others learn more about the field.
3. What would you think are the most important parts of ones digital identity?
I interviewed Phil Evans earlier this year, he’s for want of a better term an information economist and strategist. During that interview he stated that with the emergence of digital identity we are seeing the emergency of a new kind of “non-pairwise” reputation. In other words “portable reputation”. I believe the emergence of “portable reputation” and the systems that support it will have profound implications for how we humans live and interact in the future.
4. You use Frappr on your site, can you tell us something about why and how you use this for your site?
I came across the use of Frappr in association with a podcast for the first time a a month or so ago and I was immediately drawn to it. The reasoning being that with a podcast it’s often very difficult for the podcaster and their audience to connect and interact. Because Frappr provides a way for anyone to quickly and easily add “themselves” (their City/Country information and name) to a graphical map of the world it provides an “instant” view of who else is listening and where they’re listening from. Frappr is adding features like chat, forums and other “participation” tools so hopefully it will provide a nice way for listeners of The STORY of Digital Identity to ask questions of future/past interviewees and to more easily connect with one another.
5. Do you think people would like to expand/build their digital identity with a charity website like Helpalot? Do you think people like to show others what charities they support?
Yes, particularly if they are particularly happy with the things a charity is doing. If they are effective in employing the funds that are provided to them by contributors and if the charity effectively communicates that to their supports.
6. If Helpalot was online, would you use it? And if so, how would you use it?
I think initially I would use it to search for charities that others are fond of to be able to talk to supporters to more easily find the best charities and the charities whose work I find compelling.
7. There are a lot of social network sites and a lot of people have information spread out over the internet. Do you see this as a problem for the Helpalot project? and if so, how do you think this problem can be handled?
I think the challenge is finding ways to rise above the “noise”. That said I think the new collaboration tools allow one to start and develop “relationships” (establish trust) quite efficiently. If you are committed to making it work and ensuring that people that who use your site are well served I’m confident you will succeed…but I think you have to have a sincere desire to serve others. Focus on serving and a unyielding determination to do so will win the day in my opinion.
8. What do you see as the challenges and the opportunities for Helpalot?
For any start-up I think the tough part is sticking to it when it seems like no one but you cares. Although money is important passion and a willingness to serve and “stay the course” are indispensable.
9. Thank you for your time, is there anything else you think is important to mention?
I’m afraid I don’t have anything else to add at the moment. If I think of something I’ll let you know….no hold on I do have a recommendation. I think this guy writes very informative stuff regarding start-ups (which I think your’s is despite it’s charitable roots), See:
I particularly recommend the piece called: “The hardest lessons for Startups to learn”
Coincidentally I posted an article about the Paul Graham piece, while I was receiving the answers from Aldo.
I hope you enjoyed the interview, I found it really useful information. Thank you Aldo for answering 9 Questions. Another interview is coming up soon, so keep coming back.