For the past two weeks (yes, that’s how quickly these guys pulled the launch together) I had the pleasure of working with Wayne (@waynesutton) and Lawrence (@lawpower) on some party planning and public relations for the TriOut launch. Before this, I had seen the #TriOut hashtag on Twitter, but hadn’t paid much attention to it, as it was another one of those location-based services that 1) you needed an iPhone to use — which this Verizon customer doesn’t have — and 2) a single female who doesn’t want to attract a stalker by posting my location every time I walk out the door.

When Wayne asked me to help out with the launch, I agreed because I thought it would be fun to work with him, but didn’t know a whole lot about the product they were launching. I can honestly tell you that after talking with Wayne and Lawrence, I was sold on the idea of TriOut. I love that privacy was a chief concern and that Lawrence was building the Web site as a second component to the iPhone app. I also love that it focuses on our area, and the ratings system brings credibility to the rankings and reviews.

Non-iPhone users have to be patient. The Web site is still a work in progress.  Web users can join the service, but Lawrence is still working on bringing full-functionality to the site. For now, Web users cannot add new locations or customize their profiles or privacy settings. (All users are defaulted to full privacy.) But don’t worry, he’s working on getting the second update ready.

Honestly, I can’t wait. I’ve noticed a few of my favorite spots that aren’t on there yet that I’m looking forward to adding to the service.  I believe our patience will be fully rewarded when Lawrence gets through with the update.

From my side of things, I want to say thanks to Cara (@CaraRousseau) at RTP Headquarters (@theRTP). Your facility and staff rocks! I think I fell in love that evening — with the excellent barbecue from Smokin’ Man BBQ (@SmokinManBBQ). I’m trying to figure out what kind of event I can host so I can get them to cater. And another thanks to Nantucket Grill for the cool TriOut cake and the richest brownies I’ve ever eaten.

Now enough from me. Here’s the buzz about TriOut…

Post-launch reactions:

• Karlie Justus (@KarlieJ):  TriOut launches, confirms the Triangle is awesome
• Smokin’ Man Barbecue (@SmokinManBBQ): TriOut Launch Party Catering Event
• Brian McDonald (@bmcd67): Tri-Out Launches New Approach to Geolocation
• Ginny Skalski (@GinnySkal): New website TrioutNC.com is home for reviews and info on places to visit in the Triangle
• Triangle Startup Factory (@TriangleSF) :   http://trianglestartupfactory.com/2010/02/triout-launch-party
• Dogear Nation Podcast 141 ( @dogearnation) : http://dogearnation.com/2010/02/21/141-dingbats

Pre-launch buzz:

• News and Observer @newsobserver via @Sue_Stock: TriOut to launch in the Triangle
• The Herald Sun: New iPhone app targets Triangle users
• 1360 WCHL – Chapel Hill-Carrboro’s News Station: TriOut App Can Find New Favorite Triangle Spots

Photo by: John Rees

Written by: jennifernixon

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