We are in the process of finalizing our newest integrated feature, Blackbird Local. Blackbird Local is a really fantastic tool for both consumers and businesses. We have used the Yelp review engine to enable businesses to list themselves as Blackbird Local Businesses right in the browser. So now, no matter where you are, you can fire up Blackbird and find businesses that have chosen to list themselves as Blackbird Local Businesses.
As my partners and I developed Blackbird Local we realized that this function brought some interesting questions to the fore. Most compelling is what constitutes a Blackbird Local Business? Is it only Black businesses, businesses that cater to Black locations, businesses that cater to a Black clientele, businesses that make products for Black people, businesses that want Black customers, or businesses that welcome all people including people that use the Blackbird browser?
Our sincere hope is that all businesses that desire a diverse and enlightened customer base will desire to be listed as Blackbird Local Businesses. For Blackbird users it will be a pleasure to frequent these businesses that have taken the time to say, by signing up, “we want you as a customer.” Sadly, there are business owners that do not want certain people as their customers, but that is their prerogative. We, however, seek a more broad, diverse and interactive society and so we encourage our users to frequent the Blackbird Local Businesses and make it known that they applaud their efforts at expanding their customer base.
All the best,
Ed