Difference between revisions of "UrateLocal.com"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
[[Image:Uratelocal-logo.jpg|left]] | [[Image:Uratelocal-logo.jpg|left]] | ||
| − | + | URateLocal is a local online search service, providing information on businesses in the categories of dining, entertainment, retail, travel, and professional services in cities throughout the United States, Canada and Internationally. URateLocal is a subsidiary company of URateStuff. | |
| − | + | ||
| + | == Site features == | ||
| + | |||
| + | URateStuff hosts an online database of user-generated reviews of local businesses. Site visitors interested in finding a service may search or browse listings by business name or by type of business, to find businesses of particular interest to them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | URateLocal's success derives from merging these two components, local reviews and social networking. The combination increases web traffic and other usage numbers by making the site more entertaining to use. It also improves quality by creating a de-facto reputation system, where users can see which members are the most popular, respected, and prolific contributors, who has been a member the longest, and who has interests and taste choices the most like theirs. The reviewers that participate the most in each city, have their reviews featured the following month, on the home page in a "Featured Review of the month". | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Members == | ||
| + | |||
| + | URateLocal offers a directory for anyone to search for businesses or read ongoing discussions. Certain features, such as the ability to add a review or add a comment to a review, are available only to users with verified accounts, which are free. | ||
| + | |||
| + | User profiles include a standard set of attributes such as photographs, a changeable default photograph that serves as an Avatar (icon), and several fields relating to the user's location, etc. The company strongly encourages members to use their real name and photograph and participate in a sincere, mature way. Multiple accounts, and abusive or improper behavior, are forbidden. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Scope of reviews == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Users may review any local business that provides services. In a high-usage city such as Los Angeles nearly every restaurant, bar, and retail store has multiple reviews, often hundreds, and there is considerable competition among users to be the "first to review" a new establishment (for which the user receives a citation). There is also considerable coverage of professional services, medical providers, automotive services, cultural venues, hotels, museums, parks, attractions, government services, etc. Users may add new businesses and update business information if they notice any missing coverage. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Business-to-business services are not often reviewed, nor are companies without a local retail presence such as large manufacturers or internet-based companies. The company does not host reviews of products, films, bands, albums, celebrities, and the like. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Geographic scope== | ||
| + | URateLocal accepts reviews of any business or service in the United States, Canada and select International cities. The most active cities include: | ||
| + | *Los Angeles, CA | ||
| + | *New York, NY | ||
| + | *Toronto, ON | ||
| + | *Kitchener, ON | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Features== | ||
| + | URateLocal's features include: | ||
| + | *Private messaging | ||
| + | *Rating other members' reviews | ||
| + | *Lists of "friends" | ||
| + | *Google Maps | ||
==Additional Information== | ==Additional Information== | ||
Revision as of 14:48, 14 June 2007
Description
URateLocal is a local online search service, providing information on businesses in the categories of dining, entertainment, retail, travel, and professional services in cities throughout the United States, Canada and Internationally. URateLocal is a subsidiary company of URateStuff.
Site features
URateStuff hosts an online database of user-generated reviews of local businesses. Site visitors interested in finding a service may search or browse listings by business name or by type of business, to find businesses of particular interest to them.
URateLocal's success derives from merging these two components, local reviews and social networking. The combination increases web traffic and other usage numbers by making the site more entertaining to use. It also improves quality by creating a de-facto reputation system, where users can see which members are the most popular, respected, and prolific contributors, who has been a member the longest, and who has interests and taste choices the most like theirs. The reviewers that participate the most in each city, have their reviews featured the following month, on the home page in a "Featured Review of the month".
Members
URateLocal offers a directory for anyone to search for businesses or read ongoing discussions. Certain features, such as the ability to add a review or add a comment to a review, are available only to users with verified accounts, which are free.
User profiles include a standard set of attributes such as photographs, a changeable default photograph that serves as an Avatar (icon), and several fields relating to the user's location, etc. The company strongly encourages members to use their real name and photograph and participate in a sincere, mature way. Multiple accounts, and abusive or improper behavior, are forbidden.
Scope of reviews
Users may review any local business that provides services. In a high-usage city such as Los Angeles nearly every restaurant, bar, and retail store has multiple reviews, often hundreds, and there is considerable competition among users to be the "first to review" a new establishment (for which the user receives a citation). There is also considerable coverage of professional services, medical providers, automotive services, cultural venues, hotels, museums, parks, attractions, government services, etc. Users may add new businesses and update business information if they notice any missing coverage.
Business-to-business services are not often reviewed, nor are companies without a local retail presence such as large manufacturers or internet-based companies. The company does not host reviews of products, films, bands, albums, celebrities, and the like.
Geographic scope
URateLocal accepts reviews of any business or service in the United States, Canada and select International cities. The most active cities include:
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Toronto, ON
- Kitchener, ON
Features
URateLocal's features include:
- Private messaging
- Rating other members' reviews
- Lists of "friends"
- Google Maps
Additional Information
Related Domains
External Links
- Consumer
- Reviews
- Ratings
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Food
- Health And Medical
- Beauty And Spas
- Night Life
- Local Services
- Arts And Entertainment
- Event Planning And Services
- Active Life
- Home Services
- Automotive
- Hotels And Travel
- Education
- Local Flavor
- Professional Services
- Pets
- Real Estate
- Public Services And Government
- Financial Services
- Mass Media
- Religious Organizations