A newly launched online billboard allows organisers to promote events for free at action.com.mt.

The portal was launched just weeks ago by three friends whose idea stemmed from the need for a notice board where people of all ages could find something to do or somewhere to visit.

“The original idea was to publish a bi-monthly magazine,” Matthew Catania, one of the originators, said.

“However given how most events hatch within a shorter time period, this immediately proved difficult and the idea evolved into an online portal. The ground work began in early 2009 with the final test completed by last summer.”

With backgrounds in the services industry, the three decided the site should have a dual objective: provide users with a filtered choice of events and activities while allowing organisers to post their events and communicate directly with a captive audience.

There are no fees involved at either end.

Mr Catania explained content was continuously generated by event organisers using a simple log-in process. They were able to upload event details, venues, images and external links.

The Action! team also had its own Action! ‘hounds’ on the look-out for events which had not been publicised on the site.

Mr Catania added that the portal’s interface had been designed to be as friendly, eye-catching and easy to use as possible. The search function allowed users to search key words or by filtering a category, date or venue. He pointed out Action! was also the first portal to allow event goers to submit their negative or positive comments directly to event organisers through an anonymous-feedback system.

The site even has its own loyalty scheme of sorts: Action! Ticks is the portal’s own virtual currency. Users collect ‘Ticks’ with every ticket purchased from the site which are then redeemable for free tickets.

“Action! prides itself mainly on its content,” Mr Catania said. “From the village parish fund-raising activity or a gig by a new band to sporting events and exhibitions, Action! seeks to include it all.”