Docoloco is a new entry into the user generated local info space with a couple of unique features and a fresh approach. btw – I did a previous post on Docoloco when they launched back in July – which didn’t deserve to live (=lame post) so I deleted it.
Now let’s try to explain what this site is all about – it is an innovative twist on user generated content (UGC) meets social networking meets local search (as in a business directory, IYP)… My initial take is that the site is some combo of: UGC + social network + a pinch of yahoo answers + a pinch of yelp + Google maps (of course) + lists (some secret sauce) + ajax/ruby-on-rails UI = Docoloco!
What I like:
- Site creates lists of related entries based on folksonomy
- the look and feel of the user interface
- the design and look (nice logo!) of the site
- presentation of the data and maps
- asking questions
- global coverage (not just one country, but in theory world wide coverage)
- post to blog feature
what I didn’t like:
- not very intuitive to navigate around
- some parts of the UI hard to follow, input validations tricky
- not much help or FAQs
- geo data validation is funky for UK
- search and navigation could be improved
I am sure the founders have a ton of changes and improvements planned, so this is just an initial view [not a full(er) view]. I definitely think they are onto something here. The list feature and global coverage is sweet. I will watch and continue to use the site see how it develops. The founders have significant experience in local search, so I would bet some money this site does get better. Johnny Cussen one of the founders, who I know personally, has worked for both Looksmart & Sensis). The other founder, Chris Mander has a serious web design background, we used him to help with UI deisgn while I was working at FAST.
I hope to see Docoloco get some traction. If I were a VC or angle investor I’d be contacting them for sure.
I plan to do a follow-up post or update to this one with a little bit of a deeper dive into key features and a profile on the company when I get a chance.
Be sure to check out the great intro video on the site or below:
Here are some screen shots of what you will find on Docoloco (note: just click on the thumb nails to get the fullsize image).
1. Sample business entry with a map:
2. Sample ratings page:
3. Sample list (ie, list of related businesses):
4. Sample homepage, with live update of what’s happening (ala – Facebook):
4 responses so far ↓
Eric Small // 23 November 2007 at 6:44 pm |
They’ve got a nice start. I’m curious, though, what sites you think are out there that are already doing well in this kind of functionality? What’s missing from those sites?
Resell Ebook // 24 November 2007 at 5:44 pm |
Very good information… thanks for sharing.
dylanfuller // 25 November 2007 at 6:17 pm |
Thanks for asking… It would be interesting to see a chart based comparison of various players in this space and to see some break out the different approaches.
I don’t have any favorites, but the likes of Yelp (US), Qype (UK, DE), Trusted Places, Touch Local, We Love Local and of course what Google & Yahoo have been doing come to mind as the main sites I have either used or are worth a deeper dive.
Eric Small // 26 November 2007 at 7:45 am |
Definitely of interest. I’m more familiar with the US options, but have basically no understanding of non-US sites. All of the ones you mentioned look mature and valuable. I’ll have to check them out.