I keep harping on the days before the internet, and about how we used to communicate by phone, mail and by word of mouth. Now of course we have our online communities that will sing the praises of a Thai diner or totally slam the cheap motel with bed bugs on highway 14.
I usually find my information about local Los Angeles through Yelp, I read the reviews, and I try them out. I have found so many great places through Yelp that I go there first before asking my friends.
Now I can add a new stream of local Los Angeles finds, I joined the group "Hidden Los Angeles" on my Facebook, which has a website as well "Hidden Los Angeles". There are over 39,000 fans and contributors to that page. People post their latest tattoo parlor finds, best place for oats, thai, spas and so on. Unlike Yelp, the posts are not qualified by reviews, but it gives an unlimited stream of places you have never heard of. Its an endless stream of the love for our city. Which is a nice change from the usual banter about traffic and superficiality.
Some examples of the Wall Posts on Hidden Los Angeles:
Theresa I grew up in South L A and live in Riverside now and I miss L A. Always something to do at all hours.
Angie I moved to Denver, CO looking for a more "normal" life...big mistake L.A. IS normal! Everywhere else is twisted with a facade of normal. God I miss L.A.!!!!!
Steamy Asia I do miss LA/home :-) but love coming back to play!
Lori Marachi Square is one of my favorite L.A. discoveries. You can hire a marachi band right on the spot! I also really enjoy Cornfield park, probably called something else, but its by Chinatown and the L.A. river. Peace!
Jeanne At last,a site w/o the celebs.This tells the true story.Love it!!!♥♥♥
If you are on Facebook, check it out and join, it's a nice place to be....
Image: Ophelia Chong / Rainbow over Los Feliz Feb. 9, 2010
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Danh Hoang says :
Social media has done it again. I'm glad people in LA can connect this way and rediscover their city.