Daily Marauder

WELL IT AINT EVITE by Marauder

WELL IT AINT EVITE

With the next edition of Jump!! speedily approaching, I thought I would investigate two alternatives to Evite because let’s face it, Evite hasn’t been updated with new features since it was created (i.e. it sucks). Help me stop the insanity and work with something a bit more refreshing. Above, check out an invite created using Pingg.

Below, check the same invite created using a site called Socializr.

The Comparison

• Maps: Socializr allows you to pick which mapping function you’d like to use to find the event location be it Google (obviously), Mapquest or Yahoo! On this one, I can be lenient to Evite because at least they wizened up and switched their mapping feature to Google.

• Sharing: Integration with social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (see above). Socializr even provides the code for a quick Flash widget to be embedded on a MySpace or Friendster page (see below). Hott.

• Links: We bloggers know its all about the links. That’s why I love the fact that Socializr allows for easy linking from blogs, websites (as mentioned above) and phones. In addition, I can create a custom link for guests to find my invitation more easily: www.socializr.com/event/dailymarauder/jump3

• Calendar: Easily add to your Outlook Calendar. [sigh] Fabulous.

• Custom Features: Here’s where I’m really sold on this site: I added two YouTube videos from part 1 and part 2 of Jump!! so that guests could get a good idea of what we do in preparation for the third edition. I also added several photos and. . .ok. . .maybe this is a little too MySpace-esque, but I added a song to autoplay when the invitation is opened. I just can’t get Duffy’s Mercy out of my head. I mean. . .someone needs to de-throne Boozy Mc. Boozster Winehouse.

• Simplicity: The user interface on this site is simple and easy to use for the basic user. That said, being a more advanced user, I was frustrated that I couldn’t change more design elements.

• Calendar: Easily add to your Outlook, Google, iCal or Yahoo Calendar. Even better.

• Custom Features: I could add multiple photos and a single video on this invite as well. Unfortunately, one video is the maximum in comparison to the many allowed on Socializr. Additionally, no Duffy for this invite. Pingg doesn’t have an audio feature.

• Links: Like Socializr, Pingg creates a custom link for the event. In this case: http://dailymarauder.pingg.com/Jump3/index/wjkqy8keqn2 .

The Bottom Line

Both these services have Evite beat by a long shot but for the time being the IAC-owned Evite pummels the competition with 192 million online invitations sent in 2007. Evite is only bested by Facebook Events, an even more average tool connected to all of your friends through the popular social network. It seems for the time being that name recognition and social network connection trump features with their averageness. Using Socializr or Pingg at this point is like Mary Kate rockin’ a pair of over-sized sunglasses. No one gets it until they’re all doing it. Until then, I’m not RSVPing Evite.

Check out this intriguing article from the NYT Magazine for more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13wwln-medium-t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

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