Google Hotpot is a Hot Mess

I mean hot mess in a bad way, just so you know. While Google Hotpot is a bit disheveled, it is not attractive. Before I start ripping into Hotpot (why the awkward name, anyway?), there are a few cool features I did like. Reviewing places are easy on the main grid. Choose a star, leave a short tip, choose from good/bad on price, atmosphere, service, and quality, then save it. Super simple. Unlike other review websites, this actually led to me reviewing 6-10 places before I got tired of it. That's a plus, because I usually despise leaving reviews. Secondly, Hotpot pulls locations for review from your recent Google Maps searches. This "local" factor is just handy, as there is less searching needed. There are a few people who enjoy Hotpot. Now, the fun stuff.

Hotpot is ugly.

I just want to say that right away and get it over with. The interface is either lacking usability or lacking things to do. Perhaps Google was just aiming for the quick-n-dirty version of location reviews. The only thing remotely exciting about Hotpot's design is watching your "hit counter" go up as you rate locations. The restaurant images, when there are images, seem to be pulled from City Search or another mass-search website. The layout and design alone push me away from using the site.

I can't tell anyone anything.

If "Web 2.0" means sharing, Google has easily taken a step back in time. There are zero sharing features; at least I can't find any. I don't see any point in reviews, tips, and a ranking system if I can't tell anyone about it. I'm not ranking places for myself - I already know what they're like! The only way to share information is to add friends that are also using Hotpot. This means scouring my e-mail contact list and, one by one, adding people I think would care enough to create a profile.

There is no "i" in "team." Or in Google.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels Google Hotpot is lacking. Yelp has a strong community that loves to share. Google is making it hard to tell Twitter what I think about my chicken strips. Hotpot seems like one of worst things Google has create and I wouldn't mind seeing it disappear and Google Wave come back. The way I see it, Google needs to stop trying to re-invent the wheel and just get on the wagon. Thought? Opinions? Have you tried Google Hotpot yet?