04/02/2008

Brownbook is a startup, user-generated and content-based business directory that has been launched in the UK but instead of intellectual information will rate local businesses.

The site went online last month with more than two million businesses and is reportedly the UK's first peer-created online directory service.

The site's creators, who are two senior ex-directory industry executives, said they created the service after they realised that larger directory companies were charging extravagant prices to advertise, while Brownbook allows users to comment on whether a business was reputable or not.

"It takes ages to add your business to something like the Yellow Pages," said Jerry Brown, one of the founders of Brownbook.

"We wanted to build something where small businesses could promote themselves instantly and have an online promotional channel."

Listings are free on Brownbook, while the site will make money from sponsored advertising on its search page by Google. The no fee for businesses is expected to be especially attractive for businesses.