It’s been a while since we posted here!

As many of you know, we’ve been working on a new location based service for cell phones called DoubleDutch.

The big bet that we are making is that very soon, the primary way that you and I will access the web will be via our phones, and that our current location will provide the context for the kind of information that we need.

We’ve worked very hard to make DoubleDutch a seamless experience for RIA users.  Your RIA login credentials work on DoubleDutch.  You will get points on the DoubleDutch leaderboard for your RIA activities.  You have access to your reviews.

The core activity on DoubleDutch is the “check-in” – a simple tap of your phone (or laptop) that tells your network where you are.  Of course you can append things like photos, shouts, and even reviews to your check-ins.  One way to think about it as a RateItAll for the real world, where you can rate and review the things around you.

So enough talk.  If you want to take DoubleDutch for a spin, you can do so here.

iPhone:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doubledutch/id336955484?mt=8

Laptop / iPad / Computer:

http://app.doubledutch.me

Android:

http://app.doubledutch.me

BlackBerry Torch:

http://app.doubledutch.me

The site is going to be down for a while.

We are doing a Database update .

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Our database is under heavy load at the moment.

You may find the site to be a bit slow.  We have also been getting reports about the logged in home page timing out for some people.

We are investigating.

One of the biggest award shows of the year is now upon us. The Oscars (or Academy Awards) feature the biggest names in film, and this year is no exception. This year the hosting duties will be shared by funnymen Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, who will be headlining a show that sees the likes of James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Matt Damon, and Morgan Freeman all nominated for an award.

Who deserved to win? Which performances or films were your picks to take home this year’s little golden statue? We have prepared a complete list of all the nominees in our 2010 Oscar Winners list. All the films that didn’t win are in our 2010 Oscar Nominees list, where you will be able to continue your thumbs up or thumbs down of the top films for 2009. And, as always, Steve and Alec are up for review as part of our Hosts of the Academy Awards list.

Here are some of the reviews that have come in for Oscar-nominated films so far:

Avatar Reviewer Djahuti: “I have never seen anything so visually stunning. The acting was top-notch. I agree that the script might have been the only weak point, but believe me, you’ll barely notice. It’s a movie anyone could enjoy.” Reviewer Lena: “In all, the plot felt pretty one-dimensional to me, and I can’t possibly recommend seeing this film on that basis alone. Take the facade away and this world is hollow and flat, with right and wrong are cast starkly in black and white. Nuance, subtlety and anything that could possibly be perceived as shades of grey don’t make it on screen. The bottom line: Avatar is worth seeing as eye candy, but don’t expect much more.” Reviewer oscargamblesfro: “For me the strongest part of the movie was the not so subtle messages about the environment, race and class, and corporate greed. Very moving film.” Reviewer kamylienne: “I wouldn’t say it wasn’t worth watching. It was pretty to look at, and if you don’t mind having a story spoon-fed to you, then it’s fine. Probably not worthy of the title of “top grossing movie”, except you had to pay extra per ticket to see it in 3D. Good enough for mindless entertainment.” see Avatar under Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies

The Hurt Locker Reviewer chalky: “I recently rented The Hurt Locker, and I didn’t care for it that much. It seemed like a rip-off of that Clooney war movie called Three Kings, which I did like……the rip-off wasn’t necessarily the plot but the cinematography, screen shots etc… Overall, not much of a fan.” Reviewer DarthRad: “We feel the oppressive tension of the whole country, of not knowing who the bad guys are and where the next bomb or bullet is going to come from. We feel the fear and uncertainty of the American soldiers, caught between their desire to be the good guys and wanting to make nice with the local Iraqis, while constantly needing to remain vigilant and suspicious, never knowing who is a good Iraqi, and who deserves to get shot. We feel the bewilderment and resentment of the local Iraqis, who get pushed around at every turn by the American soldiers.” see The Hurt Locker under Drama Movies

Up Reviewer jedi58: “I thought this was an incredibly enjoyable film with great animation and a great story, Pixar have really outdone themselves this time. One thing which is good about the Blu-ray release is that it comes with a DVD version also so if you’re not yet ready to switch to Blu-ray it means you can have the film in both formats ready for when you do.” Reviewer cyclee: “The plot was very predictable and though I found most of the characters sort of likable, I wasn’t particularly charmed. It’s an ok Disney/Pixar film in 2009, which would have been superb in 1995.” Reviewer acidworld: “One of the best Movies I have ever seen! One of the things that really grabbed me was the music, it was great. The whole movie is funny, suspenseful and sometimes a little sad. The characters are so lovable, especially the talking dogs I saw it in the theater and I have watched it around 5 times on demand, I just cant stop watching it.” see Up under Best Pixar Films

District 9 Reviewer dumontaaron55: “The last two shots–one of Vicus’ wife holding a metal-made flower and of an alien creating that very flower–aren’t of any pandering, artificial cliffhanger-like sentiments (unlike many other blockbusters of today); those moments are one last optimistic suggestion of hope and peace and after the damage, apocalypse and disturbance. People can maybe embrace each other after all. That’s where this movie makes its mark.” Reviewer rishikhaitan: “The plot is very original, the acting was spot-on (the lead character isn’t even a professional actor!), and the story conveys just the right amount of back story to be completely believable without slowing down the film.” see District 9 under Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies

Inglourious Basterds Reviewer pivic: “Every scene is very non-apologetic. No big Hollywood scores are played as people are killed and most of the killing is displayed as-is. Come to think of it, most of everything in this film is displayed as-is, i.e. not sugar-coated. It’s a funny, tragic and hugely entertaining story of revenge – an obvious line through most films by Tarantino – and is well worth your time.” Reviewer Rappler: “I thought this film was one of Tarentino’s best. He combined his usual gory-drama with some laughable humor. Great characters as usual with an entertaining plot with different stories that neatly tie right together. A fun watch for sure and a must see in theaters.” see Inglourious Basterds under Most Memorable Films of 2009

So go throw your digital weight behind the films/actors of your choice, and let us know why you think George Clooney is an ass (we all know it’s coming).

You’ve asked for it, and we’ve built it.

Our brand new “Block” feature is the most powerful admin tool that we’ve ever turned over to RateItAll members.

Unlike the disabled comments feature, the block feature can do permanent damage.  Among other things, if you block someone, it will irreversibly and permanently delete from RateItAll every comment that person has ever posted on one of your reviews.  Gone.  Blown up.  Obliterated.  With no “undo.”

You should not use this feature on someone whose taste in beer differs with yours.  You should not use this feature on someone who writes bad reviews.  You should not even use this feature on someone who blasts your preferred dog food or chewing tobacco.

If someone burns your home to the ground and sells your family into slavery, you might consider this feature.

Here is a screenshot of the menu of damage that is inflicted by the Block feature:

As you can see, not only does the Block feature severely impact the blocked RateItAll member’s ability to interact with you, it also affects your ability to interact with them.

The point is to allow people to erect a virtual wall between themselves, and an RIA member who they simply can’t stand.

Block should be used when all diplomatic avenues have failed, and your continued interaction with a certain RIA member is causing you severe pain and psychological anguish.

This is the Armageddon tool.  Please treat it as such.

You can inflict a Block on someone via their profile page.

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Ok, this feature is live.

You can now hide comments, and turn off future commenting on any review that you write.

Here’s what the feature does:

- It hides existing comments from appearing with your review.  Those comments will continue to show up on the author’s profile page, and in the river

- It prevents people from posting additional comments on your review

- Once you’ve hidden comments, you can unhide them.  In other words, this tool IS reversible.

Here are some reasons you might want to use this feature:

- If the comment thread on your review has gone wildly off topic

- If people are being especially nasty to you or others

- If you would prefer to just post your review in a vacuum with no reactions

To hide comments on your review, just click the link at the bottom of the Review page:

Here is what happens when you Disable Comments:

Feel free to try this feature out – like I said, it’s completely reversible.

We hope it will give people a bit more control over the tone and content of the comments associated with their reviews.

We are rolling out two powerful new features today, each with the goal of giving RateItAll reviewers more control over their site experience:

1. Comment Disabling.  This feature will allow you to turn off comments on specific reviews that you write, and can be used on a review by review basis.  This feature can be very handy if you find the discussion in the comments is going wildly off topic, or if there is stuff appearing in there you would prefer not to have associated with your name / review.  This feature is reversible, and basically works like a “hide” option.  You can hide, and unhide comments on particular reviews as often as you would like.  Hidden comments will continue to show up on the author’s profile page, but not below the review itself.
2. User Blocking. This is an Armageddon type feature that you should only use if you have exhausted all forms of diplomacy.  It is permanent, and will actually delete ALL the comments that the member you are blocking has ever posted on your reviews.  It also does a number of other things like disabling messaging between you and the member, making “compliments” impossible between you and that member, and removes the person from your friend network.  The deletion aspects of this tool are permanent and irreversible.  We hope that people don’t use this one very often.

I will be writing full posts on both these features that explain exactly how they work, and the risks and benefits of each.

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Today is national “Rate Your Airport” day.  At least, we’re saying it is.

Check out this list of top US airports and please add your ratings.

The RateItAll Blog has a new home.   And it’s right here at http://blog.rateitall.com.   If you would like to read the archives, please click through to our original home on Blogger.