When I first discovered Lunch.com, I wasn’t sold. Another “social network”? Ugh, god, NO THANK YOU. Another place to house our surfeit of opinions? Even worse. Also, what was with the name? (“It makes me think of Seamless Web,” said Krystal. It makes ME think of FOOD! But then again, what is Amazon?? A river. So. Maybe I’m wrong.)
Anyway, frankly, I didn’t get it. But as I played around on the site - and thought about how I used my own blog (to express my opinions on all sorts of things and solicit feedback), I realized that actually? Um … I was wrong.
Like, really, really wrong. Lunch is still in beta (for the next two weeks), but oooooh are they on to something. [Check out Mashable’s review here.]
The biggest problem with the web, in my opinion, is that it’s like a library dumped onto a football field. Lots of amazing information, but good luck finding it. Wikipedia, Yelp & Amazon have all attempted to organize this information, specifically by harnessing the knowledge of crowds to create and maintain an elaborate database of fact (or “fact” on Wikipedia), opinion and recommendations (on Yelp & Amazon).
The problem with Wikipedia is that it’s socialist - there is one story being told at any given time, and (theoretically) no opinion. The biggest problem with Yelp & Amazon? Our opinions aren’t limited to restaurants or things we can purchase off of their site!! In fact most people (including myself, cough cough) seem to have opinions about … er … everything.
Okay, okay, so here’s the easy way to understand Lunch: it’s Wikipedia meets Yelp (but for everything).
And with much better design and organization, which I’m sure will continue to improve as they hone the site with users’ constructive criticism.
Anyway, the point is: Lunch isn’t really a social network, although they do call themselves an “online community.” I’m not an expert in these terms, but I think it’s an important distinction. I don’t need another place to connect with the marketing junkie I met at that one book party. But I wouldn’t mind knowing what he thought of the Seth Godin’s “All Marketers are Liars,” which I just finished. Or, while he’s at it, whether he liked another one of Godin’s books “Purple Cow,” which I’m considering purchasing - or Godin’s recent TED talk, up on YouTube. The marketer’s profile alone is not valuable to me. His opinions on these subjects are.
Most people have tiny bits of good information & opinions floating around in their head, just waiting to be tapped into and organized. Before the internet, you had to hope that the bit of information you needed your real-life friend just happened to have (“I’m thinking of trying out your hair stylist - what do you think?” “Well, he’s great at cuts if you have long hair, but don’t go to him for color. Try Jason over at Ted Gibson.”) If they didn’t, well … you’d just have to go it alone (pray that … interesting … “Cynthia Nixon red” was semi-permanant). And if you had an opinion to express and no one asked for it? You’d have to start your own blog! Except probably no one but your mom would read it. And let’s face it: yelling into cyberspace for your mom? Not that fulfilling.
Okay, so Lunch - unlike Facebook - is for people you DON’T already know, and wouldn’t otherwise find without what they call a “similarity network” connecting you. In other words, if you’re obsessed with shih-tzus, and I am, you might be interested in the opinions of someone who is also obsessed with shih-tzus - specifically, what does she think of the Sherpa carrier you own (and does she have a better suggestion)? Or the grooming salon at the Petco in Soho? Or the best animal shelter where you can donate my extra doggie toys?
Beyond that, what does she think of shih-tzus in general? And most importantly, what’s her favorite barking puppy shih-tzu video on YouTube?
In real life, there are no constraints to what you can have an opinion about - why should there be any online?
In other words, you can review ANYTHING - from a nail-polish to a song (not just an album!) to a speech to a cupcake.
The best part (especially for a society overwhelmed by the deluge of information online) - it’s totally, amazingly, unbelievably organized, so you don’t feel like you’re swimming in a murky sea of extraneous opinions.
Look, they’re still in beta - at least for the next two weeks - which means they don’t yet have opinions for most topics (I was the first one to review shih-tzus, Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes, and Kaiya Eve pettiskirts!) But I think - if I can go out on a limb here - this site is going to be huge. Let’s put it this way: I can see my mom getting obsessed with it. And that’s pretty much the seal of mass appeal!
If you want to read my reviews or try it out, use the beta code JuliaAllison.
xo
julia
PS. This is the first of many reviews for me about new websites, products, restaurants, etc. Lunch has, among other things, inspired me to become a little more organized about the whole process. I’m really curious to know whether you think they’re accurate/helpful/etc! You can always email me - Julia@NonSociety.com. :)
![When I first discovered Lunch.com, I wasn’t sold. Another “social network”? Ugh, god, NO THANK YOU. Another place to house our surfeit of opinions? Even worse. Also, what was with the name? (“It makes me think of Seamless Web,” said Krystal. It makes ME think of FOOD! But then again, what is Amazon?? A river. So. Maybe I’m wrong.)Anyway, frankly, I didn’t get it. But as I played around on the site - and thought about how I used my own blog (to express my opinions on all sorts of things and solicit feedback), I realized that actually? Um … I was wrong.Like, really, really wrong. Lunch is still in beta (for the next two weeks), but oooooh are they on to something. [Check out Mashable’s review here.]The biggest problem with the web, in my opinion, is that it’s like a library dumped onto a football field. Lots of amazing information, but good luck finding it. Wikipedia, Yelp & Amazon have all attempted to organize this information, specifically by harnessing the knowledge of crowds to create and maintain an elaborate database of fact (or “fact” on Wikipedia), opinion and recommendations (on Yelp & Amazon).The problem with Wikipedia is that it’s socialist - there is one story being told at any given time, and (theoretically) no opinion. The biggest problem with Yelp & Amazon? Our opinions aren’t limited to restaurants or things we can purchase off of their site!! In fact most people (including myself, cough cough) seem to have opinions about … er … everything.Okay, okay, so here’s the easy way to understand Lunch: it’s Wikipedia meets Yelp (but for everything).And with much better design and organization, which I’m sure will continue to improve as they hone the site with users’ constructive criticism.Anyway, the point is: Lunch isn’t really a social network, although they do call themselves an “online community.” I’m not an expert in these terms, but I think it’s an important distinction. I don’t need another place to connect with the marketing junkie I met at that one book party. But I wouldn’t mind knowing what he thought of the Seth Godin’s “All Marketers are Liars,” which I just finished. Or, while he’s at it, whether he liked another one of Godin’s books “Purple Cow,” which I’m considering purchasing - or Godin’s recent TED talk, up on YouTube. The marketer’s profile alone is not valuable to me. His opinions on these subjects are.Most people have tiny bits of good information & opinions floating around in their head, just waiting to be tapped into and organized. Before the internet, you had to hope that the bit of information you needed your real-life friend just happened to have (“I’m thinking of trying out your hair stylist - what do you think?” “Well, he’s great at cuts if you have long hair, but don’t go to him for color. Try Jason over at Ted Gibson.”) If they didn’t, well … you’d just have to go it alone (pray that … interesting … “Cynthia Nixon red” was semi-permanant). And if you had an opinion to express and no one asked for it? You’d have to start your own blog! Except probably no one but your mom would read it. And let’s face it: yelling into cyberspace for your mom? Not that fulfilling.Okay, so Lunch - unlike Facebook - is for people you DON’T already know, and wouldn’t otherwise find without what they call a “similarity network” connecting you. In other words, if you’re obsessed with shih-tzus, and I am, you might be interested in the opinions of someone who is also obsessed with shih-tzus - specifically, what does she think of the Sherpa carrier you own (and does she have a better suggestion)? Or the grooming salon at the Petco in Soho? Or the best animal shelter where you can donate my extra doggie toys?Beyond that, what does she think of shih-tzus in general? And most importantly, what’s her favorite barking puppy shih-tzu video on YouTube?In real life, there are no constraints to what you can have an opinion about - why should there be any online?In other words, you can review ANYTHING - from a nail-polish to a song (not just an album!) to a speech to a cupcake.The best part (especially for a society overwhelmed by the deluge of information online) - it’s totally, amazingly, unbelievably organized, so you don’t feel like you’re swimming in a murky sea of extraneous opinions.Look, they’re still in beta - at least for the next two weeks - which means they don’t yet have opinions for most topics (I was the first one to review shih-tzus, Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes, and Kaiya Eve pettiskirts!) But I think - if I can go out on a limb here - this site is going to be huge. Let’s put it this way: I can see my mom getting obsessed with it. And that’s pretty much the seal of mass appeal!
If you want to read my reviews or try it out, use the beta code JuliaAllison.xo julia
PS. This is the first of many reviews for me about new websites, products, restaurants, etc. Lunch has, among other things, inspired me to become a little more organized about the whole process. I’m really curious to know whether you think they’re accurate/helpful/etc! You can always email me - Julia@NonSociety.com. :)](http://26.media.tumblr.com/NB8YioMLilvg7wlkPjlo68TEo1_400.png)
![I guess I should go to bed now.
This is me, about 30 seconds ago, with my Nameless Bear - or should I call him [redacted]?? ha. - from Pottery Barn for Kids. (Remember, I got a matching bear for Meghan on her birthday?)
I’m wearing no makeup (actually, I’m wearing a thin layer of zit cream. To be totally honest.) I’m going to try to let you see me more and more without makeup, but it’s a little tough, because I generally look like total shit without it, especially since my skin is usually a mess from stress, lack of sleep, too much sugar, malevolent genes, whatever.
But I’ve been using these Sumaxin pads that Dr. Bobby gave me when I saw him a few weeks ago - and, for the first time in YEARS, my skin has finally, finally, FINALLY cleared up. The active ingredient in these pads, as I understand it, is sulfur, which I know (from a cursory google search) is an ancient remedy for acne. In any case, it effing worked, and I cannot begin to tell you how unbelievably relieved I am. Anyone who’s ever suffered from bad skin knows it’s a confidence wrecker, and sometimes you don’t even want to leave your apartment. Yeah, I know, I know - a bit over dramatic - but that’s how I felt many, many times over the past few years.
So. Hopefully I can start to reduce my dependence on makeup now. Although I wouldn’t count on me going au natural to an event or on air a la Miss Meghan anytime soon. Some habits are better left unbroken. ;)](http://28.media.tumblr.com/NB8YioMLila3n55og1hSmGboo1_400.jpg)
![By Michelle
For this week’s What’s On Your Nails? I got in touch with web celebrity Julia Allison from Nonsociety.com. Last fall I discovered Julia’s penchant for funky nail colors and her fridge full of nail polish (and nothing else!). Being that she’s on camera for like 90% of her life which requires perfectly polished digits, I had to reach out and get the deets on her manicure routine.If you aren’t familiar with Julia or her website, a quick web search will bring up more than you ever wanted to know. Of course, with such fast fame comes scrutiny and a LOT of hater-ade. Say what you will about her but she’s an educated woman that knows how to play the game and make people take notice.I was actually hoping to catch Julia backstage at Fashion Week since NonSociety’s coverage was massive but I only got a glimpse of Mary running to a show as I was heading out of the tents. There’s always next season. So read on to learn more about Julia, her taste in nail color (she’s SO on my wavelength) and of course, what’s on her nails.Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.Julia’s official bio:New York Magazine named the 27-year-old “the most famous young journalist in the city,” The New York Observer called her a “cross between Paris Hilton and Ayn Rand,” and her August 2008 WIRED cover outsold every other issue in the last decade, save three. Since 2006, she’s made over 400 on-air tv appearances, including CNN, MSNBC, Vh1, E!, Fox, CBS, and NBC. The former Editor-at-Large for Star magazine, she’s currently a columnist for Time Out New York, and has written for Cosmopolitan, Maxim, New York magazine, The Huffington Post, Men’s Health and others.The co-founder of NonSociety.com, which garners over 800,000 page views every month, she also co-hosts and exec produces the popular internet chat show, TMI Weekly, with Next New Networks. She’s been hired to speak to companies like A&E, Unilever, Microsoft, and MIT’s Sloan School on new media and innovative marketing strategies, and is a frequent panelist at conferences, where she relishes the copious use of nametags.She graduated from Georgetown in 2004 with a degree in political science, and was the youngest legislative correspondent on Capitol Hill during the 107th Congress. Her father is still waiting for her to get a “real job” with health insurance.What is your favorite nail polish?Essie’s Ballet Slippers. There simply is no nail polish more classic.What is on your tips and toes right now?OPI’s Vodka & Caviar on my tips, and some medium pink shade (I don’t usually do medium pink, but I thought I’d mix it up a bit) on my toes.Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?I am never, ever without polish. Ever. I’m happy to give up dinners out, but I won’t go without a manicure & pedicure. Don’t judge! I can do my own, but here in NY, it’s so cheap and fast and perfect, I never do …How many bottles of nail polish do you own?About ten - and they’re all stored in my fridge! They’re pretty much the ONLY thing in my fridge, hahah.How often do you change your nail polish?I get a manicure every two weeks, but if I had more cash/time, I’d do a polish change every week. Hell, every two days! hahaDo you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?Ask my manicurist! I do wear silk tips, and I love them.What do you think will be the big nail trend for spring?There’s a dark sparkly purple color at Chanel that will be huge - yes, dark purple for spring! - I’m also really into fun, bright, different colors on your tips (not toes, so much. I tend to stick to red there) - like yellow, green, blue, etc. [Editor’s note: She’s talking about Chanel Vendetta]What nail trend do you wish would go away?Probably decals … but I’m very non-judgmental about polish. I just like it when women take the time to actually polish their nails! I think there’s nothing sexier than a perfect manicure.What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?Leaving their nails unkept, dirty and bare. Bleh!!I hear you Julia, there’s no excuse for dirty nails unless you work with your hands and they make products for that. And I just love that you’re all about a yellow nail. Thanks for sharing the polish love with the ALU Fanatics Julia. And readers, make sure you check out NonSociety.com to follow Julia’s lifecast and see what nail color she’s wearing next.](http://28.media.tumblr.com/NB8YioMLinml3pgutoifG5vHo1_400.png)
