WebProNews

Before you start hating, I like Twitter. I think it's a very interesting as a social experiment and I follow its development -- even if I refuse to use it. When somebody lets me know why I should, I might. Until then we talk about PlaceShout, where economy of words contributes to the economy of local businesses.

It's a great idea, and if it goes much further, it's destined to be abused. But who knows? Maybe the wisdom of crowds will prevail as users can vote up reviews they agree with. PlaceShout combines a Twitter-esque interface with Google Maps to let users review local businesses in 100 characters or less.

 Lisa Barone at Bruce Clay sums it up pretty well (and has an extensive review):

Now you don’t have to read through a 700 word thesis on how this guy went to that one breakfast restaurant and his eggs were runny and then the waitress spilled the coffee all over his lap and then they were slow to get the check and he wasted 90 minutes there when all he wanted was a quick breakfast.

Yep, PlaceShout pretty much makes you cut to the chase.

Once reviewed, places pop up on the Google Maps mashup, so if you need a quick word about what's good and near you (or what to avoid for that matter), you can bring that right up.

I give it a year before it's completely abused by self-promoting moles who'd rather you ignore the bit about the rats. But until then, it looks like a simply useful service.