MetroMela on Webyantra

Webyantra, the tech blog that profiles tech products and services in India (I like to call it the Indian version of TechCrunch), has ahem! blogged about MetroMela. You can read all about it here

Reward Points for User ratings and comments

Good news for those who have strong opinions - this way or that!

MetroMela is also going to reward points for quality comments about vendors.

Now, 'quality comments' is slightly open-ended isn't it? Here's some clarity:

These comments need not be necessarily 'good' ones, praising this restaurant or that store. These comments need to have utilitarian value - will another viewer get a better idea about the place after reading your comment? Yes? Good then you've just earned 25!

Take a MetroMela member called Anuj for instance. Read his comments and you will know instantly if this is your kind of place or not. Being a foodie, he, however only rates restaurants. Check out his exhaustive, informative comments on Flag's and 1000 Oaks

And no, they don't necessarily need to be that long!!

Its simple really - comments that give a real, inside idea about things - the good, bad, ugly...
If you write 'awesome place' or 'i love shopping here'.. then it doesn't offer much insight does it?

We'd like that apart from the content we're putting forth, our users add to that and make MetroMela a full-fledged one-stop source for quality info!

So tap away! And get your voice heard :)

Newsletter Nov. 22 - Activity Clubs & Hobby Haunts

Hop, skip and jump! And trot and para-glide and bird-watch... ahhh. You get the drift huh?

This time we did a 'things to do' special. I added reviews of bookstores coz reading is a huge hobby amongst many.

Here it is!

Greetings!

MetroMela ensures that you don't spend a single dull moment in Pune. If you're looking for meaningful activities to pursue in your free time, then we've done some homework for you!

Here's a list of activity clubs that you could join - from paragliding to chess - take your pick!

For ardent book lovers, MetroMela has reviewed three of the most renowned bookstores in Pune, namely Manneys, International Book Service and Popular Book House.

Not for the weak at heart, but another exciting option to explore is horse riding. Check out MetroMela's reviews of Equinox Sports Academy and Nimbalkar Riding School.

Wisdom comes - through MetroMela

Ajith, our Marketing Manager for Bangalore is always up to some creative fun!

He designed this cool creative (tweaked) about what we do. Here it is...

Newsletter Nov. 15 - Foodie Special

Sent out yesterday. Some very special stuff by Trupti on the old and popular eat outs in Pune. And also some new entries to the Pune eatery landscape.

Burp! :)


Part of Pune's culture includes eating out. Today this trend is stronger than ever as we're spoilt for choice with specialty restaurants all over town.

MetroMela has a lip-smacking compilation of Pune's old and popular restaurants for you. Visit them here.

We also have three delicious additions to Pune's eatery scene:

• The Patio - a unique bookstore-cum-eating joint
• Post 91 - from the owners of Malaka Spice
• Il Fungo Magico - another branch opened

MetroMela now has a whopping 114 restaurants listed! Check them out and share your views here.

Newsletter Nov. 8 - Diwali Special

This one I really liked, because Trupti, our content writer got a super-slick write-up on tips for Diwali dressing. The events list was huge too. Unfortunately this one was missed by many who were on holiday :(

The streets are lit up with lamps and lights, people are out - shopping and planning for the celebrations. Yes, Diwali is here!

So what are you wearing during the festivities? We have an interesting guide for you, developed with the help of a renowned dress designer.

Here's what Mayur, a member had to say about it:

"Good and useful information.Keep up the good work..."

Interested? Here're some tips about What to Wear This Diwali

Newsletter Nov. 2 - Koregaon Park Special

The format of the newsletter is usually

1. Introduction highlighing some special reviews and decision guides
2. Events this week - live music/concerts, film festivals, launches, plays, exhibitions
3. Deals and discounts

I'm deleting 2 and 3 because they're outdated. From next week on, will add those too.

Enjoy!

Here goes:

Greetings!

Picture Koregaon Park and the first thing that comes to mind is the mystical Osho ashram. We decided to unravel the mystery and get you the real story. Here it is.

But that's not all that KP is famous for. The array of exquisite silver jewelry shops is also a treat for the shopper. Read more here.

Just so the kids don't feel neglected, we reviewed Kangaroo Kids nestled in Lane 3. Read about it here.

Then there's the famous restaurants. La Pizzeria, Koyla, Shisha Cafe, Soul, The Great Punjab, Malaka Spice... the list is endless. If you've been there, why not share your expriences with other members? Rate away, we say!

Late Update

I'm guessing its evident that we launched, because we've been underground since then!

So YES we did launch and the new site looks super.

Some new (exciting features!)

1. Newer, cleaner look
2. Over 450 places listed from pubs to meditation centers!
   
3. Sorting possible - right now by views, recency and ratings. Pretty soon by alphabet and area too
4. REWARD POINTS - yes this is our most special offering - MM will reward users for participation - when you invite a friend, suggest a business to be listed, submit some super valuable comment etc etc. Just to keeps the fun element in being an online city guide

One thing that makes my job lovable is the weekly newsletter! I think I'm going to put some up here so people can view it. It needs registration to receive it right now.

Ok then, bye for now. More when I surface again.