GregHowley.com

I just heard about TV Fandex. The concept is brilliant: rate programs based on how discussed they are online. Although I can't speak specifically about WetPaint.com's methodology for gathering rating info, I can imagine how they might do it: routinely scan Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and search blogs and discussion forums for mention of current television programs. While this could prove to be a real challenge for programs with names like "24", it should in most cases give a very good snapshot of how discussed various shows are.

The problem comes as soon as a technique like this becomes a legitimitely valued ratings service. The system is way too easy to game. It's easy to imagine bots blogging and twittering about certain shows simply to game the system.

Still, it's interesting to visit the site and note that "House" is still the #2 show despite being off-air for months, and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is in tenth place despite having been cancelled. If the networks looked at charts like these, things would likely be very different.