Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Social Logins: Twitter vs. Facebook



Given the concerns surrounding privacy these days I have a couple of questions as to how people are using social login services like Facebook and Twitter. While these services are helpful in removing barriers related to users engaging with our websites/web services I have a hunch that they are (or will be) used for different purposes.

Who do you trust with access to your Facebook information?

While we've already incorporated Facebook Connect in our web app, we recently added a Twitter login button to blockwild.com in order to encourage users to test it out without having to be concerned about potentially exposing loads of 'private' Facebook information to a new and unverified web application. We shall see which service NEW users gravitate towards.

Is Twitter a more disposable social login service?

My hunch is that users generally view Twitter as a 'lower risk' login service for testing new applications while reserving Facebook Connect for services that they are comfortable entrusting their social graph to. Ironically, it seems the wealth of information that can be accessed through Facebook could potentially be a barrier to users signing up through Facebook Connect.

Anyone care to share any experiences with these two alternatives?

Monday, October 25, 2010

Recycle and Reuse Hyperlocally

Post and search classifieds on a local mapSure we'd all like to do our part by recycling and reusing as much as well can. Nothing wrong with saving a little green in these times either.


So why can't we SEE what our neighbors (and broader community) have for sale all around us - things like furniture, kids stuff, old sports equipment - that we can recycle and reuse. There has to be a better way to search and discover what is available rather than scrolling through reqional lists of stuff for sale on classified sites. Why not post and search for classifieds on a local map.


As a matter of fact, I'd almost argue that there's a potential window shopping or impulse shopping effect - you may not even realized that you were looking for something until you saw that it was available right down the street from you.

That's why we created BlockWild.com - to give people the ability to post information (like classifieds or garages sales) directly to a local map for their whole community to see.

By posting your item on BlockWild you'll also create an informative map link to use on other classified sites. But instead of just mapping a location you'll show viewers a shapshot of all the relevant information: description, image gallery, links, etc. Plus, your map and popup are easily shared on Facebook and Twitter.



Map of Classified Ads in the Bay Area

Map of Bay Area Farmers Markets


Got an urge for some local, organic produce?

Ever wonder where and when all those great farmers markets in the Bay Area take place? Curious to know if there is one going on now right around you?

If you're looking for a helpful resource to find them then search the BlockWild map for "farmers markets". You can even search by date.

Map of farmers' markets in the Bay Area