Metromix

Metromix iPhone App 2.1

Joe Rago — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:01 GMT

What's new in version 2.1?

You've asked for it, we've done it.

Now you can find nearby restaurants, bars, events, & movies from your current device location, as well as by entering a specific zip code or select from a list of all Metromix coverage areas.

Download the new Metromix iPhone application on your device or via the Apple App Store.

The Final Countdown

Joe Rago — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:49:37 GMT

Today is the Final Countdown to the announcement of the winner to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games! Let's bring it home!

For those of you in Chicago, the pep rally begins at 9:00 AM at Daley Plaza with the final vote being announced around 11:30 - 11:50 AM. If you are interested in more information on either today's rally or the campaign for the Olympics, check out the Chicago 2016 website.

For those of you that can't make the rally, I think this little musical number should get you in the mood...

Alert

Joe Rago — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:54:13 GMT

A mail order scam group recently used the Metromix name and is contacting people telling them they've won a rewards program prize and will be given a check for thousands of dollars. This is a SCAM.

The scammers then send their "winner" a counterfeit check from Coppermark Bank, directing them to cash it and to pay taxes on the money they've won. Next, they ask their "winner" to send them money via Western Union to pay the tax bill. In reality, the check the scammers send for deposit is returned a week later as a fake check and the deposit is reversed. By this time their "winner" has already sent the scammers the tax payment and have lost their money.

Should you receive any similar "prize" notification with Metromix's name on it, please do not respond. Do not cash the scammers' fake check, and under no circumstances should you send them any money.

The authorities have gotten involved to catch these scammers. If you receive a scam letter or have related questions, please contact us at privacy@metromix.com.

Multiply your options

Joe Rago — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:47:21 GMT

Have you ever had to make one of these mind-numbing decision ailments?

Been torn on what you want to eat tonight?
Deciding what area is the best option for grabbing a few drinks?
Making the tough call on whether you want to catch a concert or see some stand-up comedy?
Trying to search for events for a date or date range you want to select yourself?

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, Metromix feels your pain and we think we have the right prescription to cure your ailment.

Starting today, you can utilize our new & upgraded search system to better help you find the entertainment results you are looking for.

Our updated faceted search system is now available in the left rail of our Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Events, and Music channels.

If you want to look for an Italian or French restaurant, not a problem.
If you want to search for a bar in your neighborhood or the next one over, we got that covered.
If you want to check out tonight's comedy and live music events, look no further.
If you want to look for events occurring next Tuesday through Thursday, holla at your boy!

We hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Metromix

Metromix: On a boat!

Joe Rago — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:52:16 GMT

Metromix is going on a boat. Who should we take?

Hmmm....how about our employees....and T-PAIN!

Metromix iPhone App 2.0

Joe Rago — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:45:25 GMT

What's new in version 2.0?

* Updated Home Page Display
* Inclusion of Today’s local Events
* Buzz Module reflecting the most recently submitted user photos & reviews
* Ability to view user photos & reviews from Metromix
* Ability to submit user photos & reviews directly to Metromix
* Ability to submit your user photos & reviews to your Facebook account
* Ability to view menu, reservation, and map links within the Metromix app
* Overall, a much more DELIGHTFUL user experience!

Download the new Metromix iPhone application on your device or via the Apple App Store.

Hello, my name is Metromix

Joe Rago — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:02:06 GMT

Behind the scenes of the 35+ Metromix sites (and the thousands and thousands of articles, reviews, photos and listings you see every day from our editors and other readers like you), we've got a team of folks that work on adding new features to the site or to help to improve the ones that you already use.

So at long last, we thought we'd introduce ourselves and start keeping you in the loop on some of the things that we've been working on. Or life in the office. Or our top picks for drinks after work. Or just about anything else you might be interested in getting a little more personal on.

Like a mini-speed date (we've got our name tag ready), here's a 30-second lowdown on our crew:

Our offices are located in the lovely Illinois Center located in downtown Chicago; perhaps you have wandered through its underground pedway?

We love ping-pong -- and regularly see who can outdo the office to become the People's Champ. We've also been known to frequent Snickers for a little post-office conversation.

There are at least 2 Starbucks locations within 200 yards of the office.

More often than not, you'll hear us quoting The Office infamous saying of "That's what she said!"

Sergio's Special is the only sandwich you need to know about at Hannah's Bretzel.

We don't have a witty name for our blog yet- maybe you've got a suggestion for us? Or you just want to share your two cents on things you'd like to see on the site? Share some of your comments below.

Anyways, that's all for now.
So hi and nice to meet you.
Now that we've introduced ourselves, we hope that you'll do the same.
And we hope that you'll be back to see us again sometime -- http://metromix.com/blog

Your Friend,

Metromix

Metromix iPhone App 1.3

Joe Rago — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:14:19 GMT

Good morning fellow iPhone users, the new version of the Metromix application is now available for free download in the app store.

What's New in Version 1.3?

Interactive toolbar to browse our listings, search for a specific destination, or utilize our Magic Shaker to mix up your night
Filter search results by attributes such as cusine type, bar type, price, and rating.
Improved overall load time and search performance
Small bug fixes

To download the latest version of the Metromix: What's Nearby application, you can:

Visit the App Store directly on your iPhone and search for Metromix
Visit the iTunes Store on your computer and search for Metromix
Visit our direct download address by clicking HERE.

Stay tuned for our forthcoming version 2.0 release...it's gonna be DELIGHTFUL!

Metromix in the News

Joe Rago — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:24:38 GMT

Check out some recent press clippings that has put Metromix in the News!

It Knows Where You Are, and What You’re Looking For

New York Times - November 2, 2009

iPhone in Chicago: Some apps to try

Chicago Red Eye - iPhone, therefore I Blog - October 6, 2009

Metromix.com matches iPhone users with nearby businesses

Mobile Marketer - September 4, 2009

Metromix.com Launches New iPhone Application

Reuters - August 31, 2009

App review: Metromix What's Nearby

Chicago Red Eye - iPhone, therefore I Blog - August 10, 2009

2009 Interactive Media Awards - Outstanding Achievement Award Winner

Interactive Media Awards - July 23, 2009

quadrantONE Makes Local Entertainment Play

Press Release Newswire - December 4, 2008

iPhone 100 apps you’ve got to try

Red Eye Chicago - November 19, 2008

Metromix Reports Two-Fold Growth in First Year

Yahoo! - November 18, 2008

Metromix.com Presents The Music Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

Reuters - July 28, 2008

Metromix.com Wins EPpy for Best Overall Design of a Web Site

Editor & Publisher - May 16, 2008

Metromix Continues Rapid Growth Trajectory Six Months Into Partnership

USA Today - May 14, 2008

Counting on Metromix

Reuters - May 12, 2008

Metromix Prepares for National Expansion

AdWeek - October 30, 2007

Tribune, Gannett join forces on Metromix

USA Today - October 29, 2007

Gannett to Join Tribune and Partner on National Network of Local Entertainment Sites

Chicago Tribune - October 29, 2007

Pigskin

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:44:51 GMT

With college and pro football well underway, it's hard not to catch the excitement.

Remixing Metromix

Joe Rago — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:05:04 GMT

Hey Metromixers -

You probably have noticed that things look a little bit different on the site. We wanted to take the time to tell you about the recent changes we made and give you some additional information on things you'll expect to see.

Updated Styling and Navigation Bar
One of the most notable changes that you'll see is an updated navigation bar to help you get around the site. We've added some quick links for each of the key sections of the site that you can access by hovering over the name of each site area. If you're interested in finding a quick way to browse restaurants by cuisine to find that perfect Italian spot, or you'd like to find out about concerts happening this week or the latest movie reviews, we've got you covered. And if there are things you wish were easier to get to, let us know! We've also made it easier to access your personal information if you want to update the profile picture that shows up when you leave a comment or write a review.

We've also updated the look and feel of the site, but to help with the transition, you'll see that we haven't moved anything around just yet. The calendar of events is still on the right side of the page, but just has a little bit more prominence so you can keep tabs on everything coming up over the next two weeks. The search bar is still in the center of the page, but we've made it a little easier to find throughout the site. All of the other great articles and photo galleries that Metromix editors in your city have put together are still there front and center. We'll be updating the layout over time though, to make sure that you're able to better access things you need like best bets for the weekend, the buzz from other users like you, new restaurants opening in your area or the even latest TV or music videos.

Commenting on Events
Want to share how excited you are about an upcoming concert? Or maybe you'd rather leave a critique on the play you just saw? Great! You'll now be able to do just that. You'll have to be registered on the site to leave your feedback, but it's a quick and painless process, we promise.

What we haven't done
The hardest thing about starting a redesign like this is deciding what not to tackle. The scope of what you're seeing on the site is limited to mostly cosmetic changes. We've got a whole slew of things happening behind the scenes that will be more fundamental functionality updates that will be coming soon. Our hope is that what we've started with today will help lay the ground work for things that we (and you) want to change to make the site better.

Got feedback? Let us know.
Today is just one of many changes you'll expect to see over the coming months. We'll be continuing to work behind the scenes to help add new features to the site. Your feedback is an essential part of this, so please do leave a comment. Send your issues, gripes, praises or wish list items on over either using the "Feedback" link on the left, or the comment box below. We'd love to know what you think. Though we might not be able to respond to everyone, we'll keep a close eye on what you say.

p.s. Stay tuned for some fun new features to help you find events happening near you coming soon!