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Local entrepreneurs’ virtual courtroom lets world be the judge

A couple cannot agree what color to paint the kitchen. Two cubicle-mates are arguing over a radio station. A teenager wants a later curfew, but mom and dad say no.

Neither side wants to give in. What now?

Two local entrepreneurs have the answer: let the court of popular opinion make the call.

Kevin Wielgus of Carol Stream and Angelo Rago of DesPlaines, both 36, are the co-founders of JabberJury, an online community that allows users to air and settle conflicts using a jury of their peers and the world at large.

Unlike real court proceedings, JabberJury’s resolution process is designed to be fun.

“It’s human nature to eavesdrop on the couple arguing one table over at a restaurant,” Rago said. “Every good story has a hero, a villain and a conflict. And we all have an opinion.”

Parties who want to strengthen their case can invite witnesses and submit evidence, just like in a real trial. JabberJurors can use all this support to better decide who they think is right or wrong.

Users who post a case and win or vote for a side and win or even invite friends to become JabberJurors can earn Jabbies, a virtual online currency, which can be redeemed for prizes.

Participants also can choose to donate their winnings to various charities.

Wielgus and Rago came up with the idea for JabberJury one night after Rago had an argument with his former girlfriend, which Wielgus and his wife witnessed.

Rago’s girlfriend began sending him numerous text messages, criticizing his behavior.

Rago was frustrated, figuring she was telling her friends about the situation and they were unfairly passing judgment on him.

“Angelo said, ‘I bet if we ask everybody in this bar they’d agree I’m right if they heard both sides of the story,’” Wielgus recalls. “He said, ‘There has to be a way to ask everybody.’”

Both Wielgus and Rago, friends since 2002, realized with the rise of social media there was a way.

“It went on from there,” Wielgus said. “Angelo and I talked more in the next two weeks than we did in the last two years.”

The duo hope the site will be fully up and running in the next few weeks.

“Hopefully in time for all of your Christmas arguments,” Wielgus said.