BlockRocker.com: World-Wide Classifieds, Right in Your Backyard
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 11.28.05
BlockRocker is a brand-new site that allows users to search by location for items normally found in the classifieds section; it's like Craigslist with a world atlas. There's the usual suspects, like electronics and automobilies and sports gear, all searchable by location through an interface with Google Maps. It's a fast, easy way to see if anyone has what you're looking for, and when you search locally, there's no shipping to pay for and no waiting for your new toy. One highlight of the service is the Carpool/Ride Sharing category, though, which allows users to search through their normal stomping grounds to find someone else with similar places to go. We featured a similar service called NuRide not long ago, and BlockRocker presents a somewhat more user-friendly version because there is no signing up or logging in required; just search, and if you find what you're looking for, you're good to go. BlockRocker just went online last week, so we expect the network of available rides and other stuff to grow; keep checking back with them, or, better yet, be the first to offer something up to someone just down the street. ::BlockRocker
why would I want to use this over craigslist? bla.. I hate options options mean all the items are spread out and I have to check 8 billion things to find what I would whereas if everyone would just concede to craigslist everything would be perfect
Hey, thanks for the post, Colin! Just found it now (Weds. nite). If you and the treehugger team have any feedback, just let me know. I'm working on BlockRocker nightly - mainly adding languages and different classified types, so there's lots of room for change and improvement.
Rod here from BlockRocker and SustainabilityZone, btw.
Mike, to answer your question: competition improves the breed, my friend! Just trying to do my part.
In all seriousness, Google Maps has really opened the door to link local buyers with local sellers - taking the hassle, time, expense, and ecological impact out of buying and selling. Its funny how many times I've bought stuff of eBay, for instance, and paid to have it shipped across the continent, when its been locally avaible.
That's BR in a nutshell. Combine google maps with IP localization (the site has a general idea where you are so that it can present relevant local results fast), and a simple user interface, and I think there's a site with some value.