About Truvo

What is Truvo?

We believe that everyone should know about a really good thing. So we created Truvo - a website that helps you discover places and services that people in your area love. You can exchange your experiences with others, and meet people who love the same things you do. Whether they live around the corner or across the country.

Will I have to pay anything to use Truvo?

No, Truvo is a completely free site.

Can I say anything I want?

Pretty much. We want to read your honest opinions. But such freedom also calls for a few guidelines, because we respect each other at Truvo. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – i.e. be respectful. Other people’s opinions are just as valuable as yours. We are all in this together – that’s the beauty of Truvo. And remember, reviews and comments and uploads are your responsibility, and will be seen by others. If in doubt, leave it out.

Who or what is Obi?

Obi is our ambassador. Obi will help you here and there, and guide you through the site. An obi is also a sash used in traditional Japanese dress (read more on Wikipedia). In the martial arts, coloured obis are awarded as one’s skills progress. We will award you coloured obis as your Truvo experience progresses. The more you contribute, the more points you get (and the higher up the obi scale you will go!). See our points system for details.

What if I can't find something?

Maybe the place you seek isn’t in the Truvo listing (yet). Please send a quick note to team@truvo.com and we'll rectify the situation as soon as we can. Soon you'll be able to add places yourself, keep an eye out for updates on our blog.

What should I do if I see incorrect information?

Thanks for being so attentive! Just send an email to team@truvo.com with as much information as possible, and we'll sort it out.

How do I report abuse?

If you feel that another Truvoian has gone too far, and is not respecting our guidelines, please email team@truvo.com Let us know what you saw that offended you, and we’ll get on it right away. And send you a reply as quickly as possible.

What if I offend someone?

Unfortunately, if you do not follow our guidelines – which basically boil down to respect for other people – our only option is to delete the offensive content and/or your account. If you still don’t understand what our community is all about, please read Truvo’s Terms and Conditions.

Your Truvo

How do I get started?

It’s almost too easy for words. Just sign up – all you need is your email. Then you’re free to explore the site. Check out your favourite places and find other people who love what you love. When you’ve found your way about, why not make a guidebook or two. Or follow someone who knows what’s hot and what’s not. And don’t forget to invite your friends!

Why do I need a profile?

You can browse the site without a profile. But to get the most out of Truvo, you really should set up an account. That way, you’ll get tips about places and services in your area that truly suit your tastes. Follow other people, and let them take you to their favourite places. And don’t forget to share your experiences. We all love to hear about new things! And the more you contribute, the more points you earn (not to mention obis!).

How do I change my email alerts?

It’s all in your hands. To unsubscribe to the newsletter, just go to the settings page on your profile. If you wish to stop email alerts about a specific place or person, go to their profile page and click “Stop following” or “Don’t love it”.

Can I change my email or password?

You can change your password on the settings page of your profile. At the moment you can't change your email, so choose carefully!

How do I invite my friends?

Make sure you're friends aren't missing out on any of the action! Send them an email and tell them about the site and how to get started. The more the merrier!

How do I send a message to other people on Truvo?

At the moment, you can't send private messages to other people on Truvo. But you can comment on their reviews, give them a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” – and tell them what you think. People like that. Keep an eye on the Truvoblog – that’s where we announce new features like private messaging (once we get it up and running, that is).

What kind of photos can I upload?

You can add any photo, as long as it's not copyright protected. Just make sure they are relevant to the page / listing.

How do I delete my account?

We're not sure why you'd want to delete your account but if you insist, just send an email to team@truvo.com and let us know why!

Reviews

What makes a good review?

Good honest opinions. Personal experiences. Nice juicy details. Hot tips. Basically, try to be as informative as you can and don't afraid to have a bit of fun. That will earn you some thumbs up from Truvobi everywhere!

What should I review on Truvo?

Anything you want! Restaurants, cafés, shops, doctors, fitness centres, beauticians, pet shops, petrol stations …. As long as it is listed in Truvo, it’s yours to review. That is, if you’ve actually experienced it yourself. We don’t want to read anything fake – it just wouldn’t be fair. If you want to add something to our listings, email us at team@truvo.com and we’ll check it out. And if you find something that you’re first to review, you get lots of points!

How do I find a place to review?

You’ll find a search box at the top of every Truvo page. Just type a key word or a name and the town or city. Click “find it” and your search has begun! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, maybe it’s not in our database yet. Send us an email at team@truvo.com with details and we’ll look into it. Soon you will be able to add a place if you can't find it, keep an eye out over at our blog for new features being announced.

Can I add a review for any city?

Truvo currently focuses on Belgium, Portugal and Ireland. So you can review anything in places in those countries – even if you live in another country. As long as you have experienced it yourself. The nice part is, you might meet other people who love what you love, too!

Can I review a place that I am affiliated with?

YNo problem, it’s great to hear an insider’s point of view. Just be honest about it. Tell us that you work there, you own it, your cousin owns it… or whatever your relation is to the Truvo listing. Just show respect if you are replying to someone’s review. Their opinion is just as valuable as yours!

Can I edit or delete a review?

You can only delete or edit your own reviews. Just find it – then click the pen icon to edit it, or the x icon to delete it. If you see a review that you find disrespectful, send us an email at team@truvo.com right away. But not if you just disagree! After all, everyone is welcome to their own opinions.

Why should I tag a review?

Tags help us find your review. So each time you write something, tag it with a couple of words that relate to the topic. Like if you review a Mexican restaurant, tag it: Mexican restaurant. And anything else you can think of. Separate each tag with a comma.

Why should I give a thumbs up/down?

To help people understand what type of reviews are most helpful, informative or fun to read. It’s also a show of support and respect. And friendship. Once you’ve thumbed something – add a comment, so the reviewer knows why you like or don’t like it.

Guidebooks

What makes for a good guidebook?

A guidebook is a collection of different places on Truvo that you have collected under a common theme. For example you might want to create a guide for:

• Wedding Dress shopping in Ireland
• Pubs that brew their own beer
• A flying visit to Dublin
• Or anything else you’ve discovered lots about

In fact we challenge you to come up with unique and interesting guides! And if you see someone else’s guide, feel free to comment. After all, two heads are better than one.

Can a guidebook be edited?

Yes same as reviews, if you have created the content you will be able to edit or delete it.

Follow & Fan

What is following all about?

Keeping track of what's going on in your city or town. When you decide to follow other people on Truvo, we'll email you when there’s news.

Who should I follow?

You can start with friends and family. These are people you trust – so their reviews will mean a lot to you. But don’t stop there! Next time a review tickles your fancy, follow that person! You might just discover a whole new world or things to do,places to be and services that will make your life more wonderful than you could ever imagine!

I'm a fan

It’s the way you can show other people that you are a fan of a place or a service. Once you’ve told us what you love, we will send you emails of any updates. It’s also a good way to see if a place is worth your while – the more people who love it, the better it must be, right? Then you know – if you go there – you’ll find people who think like you.

I don’t want to love/follow anymore! How?

Changing your mind is your prerogative. So just go to “Fan & Follow” section of your Truvo profile page and click on the 'Stop following' button. Or ‘I'm not a fan’. Or find the listing or person, and click the buttons on the page directly. No one will be any the wiser!

Points

How can I earn points?

Ah, points! They are so good to earn – and so wonderful to spend. Soon we will tell you more about what you can do with points. For now, it’s all about raking up as many as possible. You can:

• Write the first review of a place - 40 pts
• Write a review - 20 pts
• Upload a photo - 10 pts
• Gain a follower - 5 pts

What obis can I earn?

This depends on the level of your contributions to Truvo.

• White Obi: everyone who signs up
• Green Obi: when you’ve earned 400 points and written 10 reviews
• Blue Obi: when you’ve earned 2000 points and written 40 reviews (of which 10 are first reviews) and earned 5 followers
• Black Obi: when you’ve earned 4000 points, written 100 reviews (of which 20 are first reviews) and earned 15 followers

What do I win?

Honour and respect – for now. Keep an eye on the Truvoblog for news about future prizes.

My Obi level seems wrong, what's that?

Got enough points for a blue obi, but still wearing green? Don’t obsess about points. You’ve also got to consider how you’ve earned your points. Obi advancement requires specific numbers of reviews (and review types, like first time) and also follower numbers. So hit that keyboard and start writing now! Good reviews will lead to many followers but also no harm to get recruiting for your following army. See “What obis can I earn?” for details.