One new force on the block, Appinions, provides contextual analysis, focusing more on topic-based comparisons, and less on creating an individual score.

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But since a more focused search will likely yield more useful recommendations, buzz.com will also be able to suggest experts for that particular topic based on user "favorites" and comments.

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Who influences is very topic driven and based on real-time dynamic responses .

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Lightt is really a different kind of social network, somewhat based on shared interests but more emotional and aesthetic than topic bound.

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Malcolm Dowden, a UK-based environmental law consultant and solicitor, had much to say on the topic in a recent issue of the UK Law Business Review.

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Unlike regular degree programs, which provide a macro education on a general topic (say, Computer Science), badges certify micro-based competency in a very specific skill (say, JavaScript).

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Based on the their blogs, authors Joann S. Lublin and A. Kelly Eggers have been following this topic for a couple of years, and their conclusion was rather stimulating.

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Race is still an emotional topic in South Africa and Haasbroek has been at pains to explain that residents are screened based on culture, language, religion, history - but not race.

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It identifies and ranks influencers based on the size of their audience, their level of engagement, and, most important, their relevance to the topic in question.

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