Archive for July, 2010

Win €200 in One4all Vouchers

July 22nd, 2010

gift-voucher-cta

Update: 27th July: Only 2 teams so far in competition; There for the taking with a bit of competition!

____________________

Competition Time again and this time we would like to give away €200 in One4all Vouchers to 2 lucky friends on WhoseView. That’s €100 each!

To win, all you have to do is find a friend and together post more reviews than any other team pairing before August 15th 2010.

To enter, simply email michael@whoseview.com a link to both you and your friends profile page on WhoseView. This way we will know your in to win!

Terms & Conditions:

1. Reviews posted must be at least 4 lines in length and non repetitive.

2. Competition is open to reviews in both Ireland & UK

3. The winning teams combined reviews must be greater than 200 reviews.

Posted in Competitions  |   No Comments  |   Posted by Helen Mc

WhoseView is 1 today:-)

July 17th, 2010

We celebrate our 1st birthday today, having opened the site to the public on July 17th 2009. Prior to this date we were 18 months in the planning, from business plan formulation, capital raising, partner selection to development to closed alpha to finally an open beta on July 17th 2009.

1stbirthdaycake

On that day, 1 year ago, we recorded 54 unique visits, who posted 1 review in total. 365 days on and some key stats include;

1. 4,300 daily unique visitors on average
2. 110,000 monthly unique visitors
3. 15% average monthly growth in traffic
4. 13,100 posted customer reviews
5. 50 to 70 daily reviews being posted on average
6. 1,179,000 words written by members
7. 2,044,171 WhoseView points earned by members
8. 530, 820 WhoseView points claimed against special offers

Other notable achievements we are proud of include;

1. Winning the Best Indigenous Website at the 2009 Golden Spider Awards in Nov 2009.

2. Launching our iphone App in April 2010, which has been downloaded over 1,000 times.

3. Launching into the UK with www.WhoseView.co.uk on June 1st 2010 with close to 200,000 businesses in 6 UK cities.

4. On top of all this, we improved and increased the functionality on WhoseView by close to 100% since July 17th 2009.

It has been a long year for me, which many up’s and down’s, but thankfully they all balance out in the end. For every tear there are two smiles:-) For any young start up Internet company, the best advise I can give would be;

1. To help raise start up capital, ensure you spend enough time formulating your business plan. It main sound obvious, but always go back to your objectives when building your proposition. Don’t be afraid to allow elements to evolve and change. However your objectives should remain constant!

2. If you require a 3rd party partner to help bring your business plan to live, ensure you follow due diligence and take your time in selecting the right person or company. It will pay off in spades:-)

3. Ensure you have a good project manager (be it you or someone else) and set realistic expectations for milestones in development and beta stages. Unrealistic expectations only lead to disappointments and stress:-)

4. Work hard on realizing your business plan and it will work out for you:-) O yes and don’t forget to enjoy the experience:-)

We have set important milestones for WhoseView over the coming 6 months,

1. To grow our customer reviews to 20,000 and

2. Unique monthly visitors to 200,000 a month!

But for now, we are going to turn off our computer and enjoy a nice bottle or two………….:-)

Posted in www.whoseview.com  |   2 Comments  |   Posted by Helen Mc

Shop Till You Drop in London

July 14th, 2010

As one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom, London has everything that the ultimate shopper needs. Regardless if you love it or hate it shopping has to happen at some point. Although, we all wish that the closet can fill itself up it does not happen that way. With users suggestions, WhoseView is here to help make this task a little bit easier for you.

Fortnum & MasonOn Picadilly in St. James is Fortnum & Mason. This store has everything for the one stop shopper. There is a floor dedicated to groceries, another for menswear and another for womens’ clothing. E.N. said, “Everything about this shop is classy. The exterior and the interior are architecturally wonderful. Their colorful displays of lovely packaged sweet and coffees are really a treat to see. Their section on house wear is really good and they have really wide selections of goods. Despite the fact that some things here can be quite expensive I would definitely recommend going here.” Also in the Picadilly area is Harrods. Another one stop shopping place for the eager shopper trying to get everything they need at once. Nigel D. raved, “A day is hardly enough to ‘explore’ this luxury store- everything imaginable on sale from antiques to yacht charters and everything in between! Even the bookstore is extensive, and the toy department heaven (even for an adult!).Every conceivable fashion , jewellery , perfume for everyone. If you want to buy an apartment there is even an in-house estate agency and travel deopartment. Food halls galore; retaurants ranging from ‘to go ‘ to 5* sit-down pampered luxury. Right next to the Piccadily tule line direct to /from heathrow too.An unmissable visit in London!”

A classic store throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland is Topshop. These stores carry everything imaginable for individuals who are in the mood to shop. The Topshop located in Mayfair is no different. Lynsey C. said, “If you love clothes and Topshop, you will think you have died and gone to clothing/shoe/accessory heaven when you enter this store. It is multi-floored and has just about everything you could imagine - it even has a cafe, hairdressers and toilets - you really don’t need to leave the place at all! It’s like an entire shopping centre for one store - love it love it love it!” In Soho, a multi level shopping centre named Kingly Court is a Kingly Courtshoppers paradise. Full of eclectic and one of a kind shops this lets’ individuals have their pick and choose of merchandise. Laura B. commented, “This is a charming, somewhat hidden, little shopping centre just off Carnaby Street. It has 3 levels and is pretty much entirely made up of small boutiques and coffee shops. It’s so quirky and lovely! It has a few vintage shops and some other boutiques. Everything is a little on the pricey side.”

The last shopping place that the WhoseView users recommend is Orla Kiely in Covent Garden. Clothes, bags and other various things line the walls of the plush store. Kaz F. raved, “Over the new year i made a trip to this lovely store. I made my first ever Orla Kiely purchase and i am still delighted with it. Even though i think you would recognize an Orla Kiely bag instantly as they are all along the same look the selection is varied. Obviously this shop has a bigger selection and so the range of colors and sizes was really amazing.”

So for all of those shop till you drop types of personalities or just the person who needs to fill up their closets, these recommendations come from the people who know best, our users. Next time you are in London you should pop into one of these for the things you are looking for.

Tags: | Posted in London, WhoseView Guides  |   No Comments  |   Posted by admin

Places to Rest Your Head at Night

July 13th, 2010

A good hotel is hard to find sometimes. Dealing with online booking and checking in can be a real hassle, especially in the summertime months. Have no worries though because WhoseView is here to help. Three popular cities Dublin, Galway and Cork have some wonderful accommodations to make your trips worth the visit.

Bentley's HotelLocation is a key part to having a great hotel experience. Many travelers want to be right in the heart of the city so attractions can be easily seen. Bentley’s Hotel located in South City Centre on St. Stephens Green is a prime hotel for a city atmosphere. Michelle said, “I stayed in the Bentley’s with 2 of my girl friends as a shopping weekend treat. Grafton street is only a short walk away. its a small hotel but it is lovely. The bedrooms are beautiful. The ambiance in the restaurant was lovely and the food was simple, but very tasty. To sum this hotel up I would say good location, great service and great value for money. I would stay here again in a heart beat.” Another place to get a city feeling is the O’ Callaghan Stephens Green Hotel also in South City Centre. Close to everything that is needed for a visit to Dublin this hotel offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the Dublin lifestyle. Lea F. raved, “O’ Callaghans is my favorite Hotel in Dublin City Centre. I highly recommend it to anyone I know who is coming over to stay. They staff are second to none, especially the front desk staff. Every person who I have recommended this hotel to has also given rave reviews.”

Just a short distance away from Dublin is the city of Galway. This city gives individuals a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city to take the time to relax and enjoy the restaurants and nightlife. Overlooking the beautiful scenery of Galway is the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. This hotel offers delicious food and a pleasant stay to guests. M said, “There is a lovely seating area off the lobby where you can look out at Galway Bay, lovely and bright on a sunny day. It seems to be a very age friendly hotel with people of all ages there. Staff are very courteous and friendly. We had lunch here on two occasions. The scones, soup and desserts were lovely. There is plenty of parking outside. Nice location if staying here as the views of the bay are lovely and it is near Salthill.” More in the heart of Galway is the G Hotel. This one of a type decorated hotel supplies the high class stay people expect. L.N. claimed, “This hotel is exquisite, inside you can see your reflection the marble walls are so shiny! All the tea rooms are different themes and colors and the dining room is fabulous-big colorful seats, with cool paintings and the bonnet of a BMW is very cool! Staff extremely kind and helpful and cater for coeliacs remarkably well!”

The last city on the hotel tour of Ireland is Cork. This location has lots to offer guests who are visiting. Also, it is just a drive or train Fota Island Golf Resort & Spaaway from anywhere in Ireland. For more of the luxurious feeling on your visit to Cork there is Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa. This hotel provides people the chance to be completely waited on and have a stress free living environment for their stay. Sharon said, “I stayed here for a one night special deal last year. The staff were very friendly checking us in. When we got up to the room I was delighted. It was quite large which a big bed, flat screen T.V. and Ipod dock. The bathroom is stunning. We ate in the restaurant downstairs which was gorgeous. The food was top quality and a nice atmosphere.” If you are a traveler and looking for something close to the airport then Cork International Airport Hotel is a hotel that will fit your qualifications. This quirky place is perfect for the person who needs a place to stay for the night. Noirin commented, “I travel quite a bit for my job, and have stayed in many a random place, but none more so than this hotel! It is without a doubt the strangest looking place I’ve ever been in! But in the best sense.”

These hotels are just a few highlights in the three cities listed. Throughout Ireland there are many beautiful hotels for guests to visit, but these are highly recommended by our WhoseView.ie users. On your next stay in one of these cities you should try resting your head at one of the listed locations!

Tags: | Posted in Galway, WhoseView Guides, cork, dublin  |   No Comments  |   Posted by admin

Summer Fun in Dublin

July 8th, 2010

While the summer sun is high in the sky it is time to get out into Dublin and go exploring. The nice weather that has been here for a few weeks have allowed individuals to snatch up the opportunity to spend some quality time with mother nature. Around the city there are plenty of great places to enjoy a relaxing day feeding the ducks or grabbing an ice cream cone with a friend.

Killiney HillA place that is a must see for all is Killiney Hill. The spectacular views paired with great trails is the perfect combination for a leisurely stroll. Aisling B. said, “I used to come here all the time when i was younger, and i still love the walk up there to this day! You can walk through the forests or stick to the main paths! Either way its a lovely walk. The views over Dublin are spectacular.” Although, this is a little bit further out Killiney Hill offers so many picture taking moments that it will be worth the time and effort. Another forest park that should be paid a visit is Kilmashogue Forest. Just a short distance from the heart of the city, this never ending sight of greenery is a summer escape for some. Jenny M. raved, “You really can spend any amount of time wandering around up here and it is so different at each time of year. The panoramic views of Dublin are nothing short of spectacular and makes the hike up the mountain for the unfit worthwhile.”

In the heart of the city are two parks that are highlights of Dublin. St. Stephan’s Green Park is a favorite among locals and tourists. A highlight for many is being able to feed the ducks that are scattered throughout the park. Hugh M. said, “I used to come here as a child with my grandad to feed the ducks so the place holds great memories for me. I was here on a hot day last week and sat  just soaking up the sunshine and the atmosphere in the place - everyone just sitting around on the grass enjoying themselves.” Another classic Dublin location is The Phoenix Park. In this park guests can enjoy the summer while visiting other attractions like the Dublin Zoo. With the close proximity to the City Centre it is a prime spot for the weekend. Roxanne B. said, “Phoenix Park is an absolute gem of a park. First and foremost, it is probably best known for being absolutely massive, and is home to a number of attractions such as the Zoo. The park itself though is a beautiful preserve of nature and such a short distance from the city centre.”

If having a view of the water is more to your image of summer then Bull Island in Clontarf is for you. Taking a walk alongside the blueDollymount Strand water with the sand underneath your feet will be accomplished right around Dublin. Kaz F. reminisced, “This is a place that we used to go on a drive to when we were younger.It’s such a nice relaxing place to sit in the car even and just look out at the view. If the weather is nice then its a really good place to take a refreshing walk.” Within the same area is Dollymount Strand. This is another delightful place to build a sand castle or enjoy the waters’ breeze. Mark S. said, “Have been coming here since I was a toddler and can still remember the excitement crossing the wooden bridge from Clontarf to Bull Island armed with my bucket and spade. It’s a lovely 3mile long strand and I find it best for a stroll mid week.”

Remember that the summertime in Dublin is the best time to enjoy yourself in and around the city. There are so many other outdoor places to visit and these are just a few. I hope you go and take a few minutes to bask in the sunshine when it comes out.

Tags: | Posted in WhoseView Guides, dublin  |   No Comments  |   Posted by admin

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