Localmind: Advice from Your Community

As an editor at Patch, I'm constantly on the lookout for hyperlocal tools--things that will help keep me informed about my community and ways to share that information.

Which is why I was excited to find the Localmind app, a social networking app that allows you to find local "experts" and ask them questions. Free for both the iPhone and iPad, Localmind builds on the concept of check-in services offered by Facebook and Foursquare--and adds the ability to ask (or be asked) questions about a location by a fellow Localmind user or Foursquare friend.

By answering questions, you help people and earn "Karma Points," similar to Foursquare's leader board, which pits you against your friends to earn the most points for check-ins.

Earlier:

I've been a member of Localmind for a few weeks now, but the first time I received a question was just a few days ago, after I checked into ZED451, a restaurant in downtown Chicago. My wife and I go there for the Pad Thai Tacos and quiet Sunday nights. I wrote as much on Foursquare.

A few minutes later, a Localmind user popped up on my alerts and asked about the cocktails at ZED451. I provided it, got a personal thank you and signed off.

Quick, easy and it made me feel good.

Localmind comes with a map function, so you can see where other users are in proximity to you. The only problem: Unless you're in an urban area, few Localmind icons pop up. I've tried this is La Grange, Oak Park, Forest Park and I usually found just one other user in addition to my own little icon.

I still like Localmind--it's a good idea. But in the Chicagoland suburbs, it's an idea that has yet to reach critical mass.

Patch also has its own iPhone app, which will connect you to local news, weather, events and business listings in your town.