Yahoo is putting more of its emphasis on social media and user generated content in its local search product.

Social features came back again during September 2006, when it added "collections" of user generated lists, such as "The Bay Area for Kids," a collection Miller created while exploring outings with his family. Last month, Yahoo added another user generated content featured to Local, Consumer Submit. That feature allows the users to add and edit a business listing, updating contact information, store hours, or identifying businesses that are no longer open.

Yahoo views these features as "social utilities", which attach the always present offline gossip that friends and neighbors use to find a contractor, pick a restaurant, or choose a mechanic.

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