Introduction

In today's world we use a number of "tools" to create and maintain relationships:

• value added services
  • information seeking and filtering (NYT, CNN)
• assertion systems that are verifiable or even legally binding
  • actionable policies (2 out of 3 bank officer signatures required for loans > 50K)
  • price lists (LL Bean catalog)
  • contractual agreements (employment contract)
• relationship and trust management systems
  • reputation and brand creation (seal of approval)
  • trusted third parties (letters of credit)

Joseph M. Reagle Jr.