One fascinating aspect to online social communities is the ability to meet people around the globe who share your interests. In many cases, you're introduced to people you never would have met under other circumstances.

But the truth of the matter is most of us don't even know the people in our own neighborhoods. Of course, you could walk out the front door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar from the house across the street or better yet, bring them some fresh baked cookies. But where's the fun in that?

Fatdoor is a new social community site (with an awful name) that lets you find people, businesses, and organizations in your area in a Web 2.0 way. In other words, you get a map. And user reviews. Not sure if that restaurant on the corner is any good or if there's a cheaper grocery store nearby? Fatdoor lets you rely on the wisdom of the masses, if you believe there is such a thing, and if enough folks from your neighborhood have signed up.

You can write information about yourself, about your friends and neighbors, and about local institutions. In other words, this startup will either be an excellent replacement for the phone book, or it'll become the online equivalent of a stall in the men's room.

While Fatdoor has launched in alpha, not all neighborhoods are covered yet so you might receive a message alerting you that your neighborhood is in invitation only mode when you attempt to sign up.

user. Hopefully

[via Mashable]