Kristen and I went to the Columbus Social Media Cafe meeting. If you’re blogging in Columbus, you really ought to come be a part of this. Next meeting will be at the end of April at the Worthington Library but I’ll give y’all a heads up closer to the date. (If you’re on Facebook, the media cafe has a group there and they’ll send you reminders so sign on up!) One of the goals is to build something a lot like this: Vocalo.org where the Columbus public has an impact on media discussions. So let’s be part of the conversations, folks!
Here’s more info from the people behind all this:
We at WOSU and COSI have been wondering how we could do more to help our community cope with some challenging issues. We asked ourselves:
What if we — your local public broadcaster and science museum — and those of you who are the local blogging experts got together and learned how to use Social Media to bring back that great American tradition of the community taking charge of its own problems?
Here’s what we’re wondering:
Could we use social media and our many talents and resources to breakthrough the bureaucratic barriers that seem to block so much local reform?
Could we gain enough support and understanding to shift our education system so that our children are equipped to face the sometime harsh realities of the world?
Could we start to make sense of what our aging population, our health care system and even our food system may mean to us?
What other issues should we be discussing with an eye toward change?
Many local bloggers have deep subject knowledge and are also part of existing communities that also care and know a lot.
We have a big megaphone—radio and web site—and some great resources—a centrally located facility with cutting-edge technology (studios and a mediaLab) that we could add to the mix.
Can you imagine what we might be able to do together?
From First Meeting of the Columbus Social Media Cafe
I’ve been watching the media cafe blog for awhile but thought I wasn’t the kind of blogger they want, i.e., one that focuses on Columbus issues. But they want all of us, whatever we’re blogging about. Kristen and I are going to rally the mommy-blog contingent. What we have to say is valuable and important and we’re vital members of our community — we need to be there!
I have two kids and a delightfully odd husband, Brett. My children are Noah (born to us in 1997) and Madison (born to her first mom, Pennie, in 2004 and brought to our family through a domestic, open adoption). They are my inspiration and also the reason I don't get more done around here.
I'm a writer and sometimes I get published, which is a nice thing. I write for joy, I write for money and when I'm very lucky, both things happen at the same time. My work appears in national publications including Yoga Journal, Disney's Family.com, Utne, Wondertime, Brain Child and Salon. Currently I am working on a book about my daughter's adoption and seeking representation for the proposal. I also own Smart Cookie Communications with my husband.
Andrew
March 19th, 2008 at 10:20 am
It was so nice having you and Kristen at the event last night and I look forward to plenty of future collaborations. You both have such an important perspective that I hope we can continue to capture that, and expand on it. Looking forward to the next meetup!
Angelo Mandato
March 19th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
It was great meeting you both at the SMC meetup! I’m very excited to take part in the process of bringing blogging, podcasting and social networking to the forefront in Central Ohio! The Social Media Cafe has the potential to make permanent relationships with fellow new media specialists and enthusiasts in the region.
I hope we will see you at PodCamp Ohio this June, 28. Podcasting and new media is an extension of blogging and because of that, share many of the same techniques and web applications to achieve the same goals.
Columbus Social Media Cafe - Central Ohio Bloggers, Podcasters and Social Networking at The Blog of Angelo
March 19th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
[...] forming a mission statement. You can read more about the last meetup at Elephants on Bicycles and This Woman’s Work [...]
doris day
March 19th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
You cool kids do all the best stuff. Sounds fabulous (and socially responsible!)
Marley Greiner
March 19th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
In my other life with Theocnia, I blog, more or less, about Columbus. I’d likekto get involved.
Marley Greiner
March 19th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Oops. I meant Theoconia!
Dawn
March 20th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Marley, I’ll put up info re., the cafe when I know for sure the next meeting. Meanwhile, go register ALL your blogs at http://www.columbusblogdirectory.com!!!!