And now that the social filters of Facebook, Twitter and Google+ have begun to dominate the time of Web users, the Web runs the risk of becoming an out-and-out popularity contest. If we could filter the Web by reputation, we could turn it into a meritocracy.

But isn't reputation in itself popularity to an extent? Of course there are Twitter users that are celebrities - people who are famous offline and have a large online following because of that. There are other users like Scobleizer or Robert Scoble who isn't a celebrity in the normal sense but is one of the masters of social media. That doesn't mean he has the most intelligent or best articles. He engages his audience and combines his knowledge of social media with his knowledge and collection of tech based articles and ideas.

Which brings up another question. How is this reputation decided? Is it just going to be another site that we have to master to be "reputable"? Why should one do this?

Maybe I'm just missing a big chunk of information with this project. I have too many questions. I'm going to gather my thoughts and try again after dinner.