There are myriad rating apps out there focused upon every category possible, so Stamped for iPhone and iPod Touch isn’t aiming to fill a niche — it wants to take over all of them with its rating app that covers absolutely everything.
Stamped is controlled by its users, who upload information on favorite books, movies, television shows, music and restaurants and bars. There’s also an “other” category for stamps that can’t be categorized.
Stamped is extremely new, so I wasn’t able to find many friends — the app works with Twitter and Facebook as well as address book contacts — who are using the service. What I liked most about Stamped is that you only get 100 stamps to use at the beginning. If other users like your recommendations you can earn additional stamps, so there is a prime reason to build a large, active network. Stamped is definitely geared toward communicating with people you already know, because, aside from a few featured curators (Mario Batali, NY Magazine), there wasn’t a great search option available for finding other Stampers.
The major plus to limiting stamps is that users should be a bit pickier in what they rate and will only choose their favorite items. On the other hand, if additional credits are too hard to come by, then Stamped’s network might seek out less constricting services.
If Stamped can widen its user base ASAP, its design (you can customize your stamp color!) and interface are quality and will make it a contender in the ratings marketplace.
Stamped is free and requires an account.
