Thumbs Up: Loladex Launches, Taps Facebook Friends for Opinions

Loladex launched its Facebook application today thanks to Viget Labs, who helped Loladex co-founders Laurence Hooper and Dan Goodman bring their tool to life. Loladex taps Facebook users to leave feedback on their experiences with local vendors and services -- from restaurants and salons to doctors and veterinarians -- by voting them up or down and adding additional comments. Instead of building a traditional website to accomplish the duo's vision, the Viget team created a fresh design and Rails-based application that integrates seamlessly in Facebook, thereby leveraging technologies already existing, such as OpenTable, plus more than 16 million local business listings licensed by Localeze. So, have you voted yet? To learn more about Loladex, check out some of the following recent articles:

• TechCrunch: Local Search With A Little Help From Your Facebook Friends
• The Washington Post: Find Your Friends' Favorites on Facebook
• Somewhat Frank: Loladex Local Search Based on Your Friends
• Social Times: Loladex Launches Local Search Service