http://hyperlocal101.com/2008/04/16/1-reason-why-hyperlocal-portals-fail/ Tools & Technique For the HyperLocal Revolution Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:42:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 http://hyperlocal101.com/2008/04/16/1-reason-why-hyperlocal-portals-fail/#comment-189 Justin Knechtel Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:39:38 +0000 http://hyperlocal101.com/2008/04/16/1-reason-why-hyperlocal-portals-fail/#comment-189 I think you're right about what makes hyperlocal portals tick, but I would turn it around a little bit, rather, mix pleasure with business. I think hyperlocal is the future (of online business directory), but only if done for the right reason and by the right people. The traditional way of doing business is passé (business first, revenue second, fun third). I believe the key to success in this 2.0 world is one that opens the door to enjoyment, leading to community interaction, and ultimately to purposeful profits (i.e., benefitting to community more than the business). Yelp "is the fun and easy way to find, review, and talk about what's great," but you're right, that's where it ends. Their tag line basically describes what Myspace is. <a href="http://www.smalltown.com" rel="nofollow">Smalltown</a> takes hyperlocal to that next level, blending entertainment and business (currently, I think the best example of what hyperlocal can be), but still misses intrigue and the quality of reusability. But it's a great start... I think you’re right about what makes hyperlocal portals tick, but I would turn it around a little bit, rather, mix pleasure with business. I think hyperlocal is the future (of online business directory), but only if done for the right reason and by the right people. The traditional way of doing business is passé (business first, revenue second, fun third). I believe the key to success in this 2.0 world is one that opens the door to enjoyment, leading to community interaction, and ultimately to purposeful profits (i.e., benefitting to community more than the business). Yelp “is the fun and easy way to find, review, and talk about what’s great,” but you’re right, that’s where it ends. Their tag line basically describes what Myspace is. Smalltown takes hyperlocal to that next level, blending entertainment and business (currently, I think the best example of what hyperlocal can be), but still misses intrigue and the quality of reusability. But it’s a great start…

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