Would you do this?

There’s a new website called Failin.gs, still in developement, that will allow you to solicit your friends’ opinions of you, provided in an anonymous forum. The point of it is to generate true critical feedback, for those who really want it,  in a personality-neutral environment. That is, all of the comments will be anonymous, though a security system will ensure that only people who know you (by virtue of knowing some fact about yourself that you choose) can make comments about you.

The premise is that if people can anonymously comment on your value as a person, they will do so with complete honesty for the sole purpose of helping you to be a better person. What could possibly go wrong?

While intellectually I like the concept for its virtuous intent of being a self-help aid, I can’t help but imagine that it could quickly turn into a merciless shred-fest for anyone bold enough to try it.

That said, if I did sign up to do it, you could criticize me for being cynical. Or for being stand-offish, or careless, or…. I don’t know what. That’s why I’d be interested in trying it.

I believe we don’t really know how we are perceived by others, outside of those who feel close enough to regularly express their opinions of us, good and bad. And I would hope that this tool would be a window for critical commentary that might include some positive, too. But maybe that’s too hopeful, which would coincide with criticism that my wife often offers me. 

Still, I’m just stable enough to know that I could take any shots that are warranted, and would genuinely like to know what I can do to be a better person. At the same time,  I’m wishy-washy enough to say that it could also be just like opening Pandora’s box…

Again I ask, would you do this?

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