Sites specifically built around a local community are gathering popularity as the tools that allow self publishing of articles, photos are the like become mainstream.
2 examples are Backfence, and ibrattleboro
As broadband penetration reaches critical mass, it is not surprising that people are turning to the web as a place of community news. Most importantly, both of the examples above include a ratings process which rates articles, and local businesses.
What amazes me, is why more non-profit organisations such as local councils, hospitals churches and sporting clubs aren’t tapping into this medium to involve their respective community memberships to collaborate, discuss and share ideas?