The challenge of scaling and sustaining hyperlocal

I’m delighted that discussions about local blogging, local councils using online engagement tools, and how to sustain these activities have lifted off on socialbysocial.net – the online community I’ve started with Amy Sample Ward, co-author in the Social by (read more...)

Old media declines … social communication entrepreneurs emerge

Conversations at the Euromeduc media literacy conference in Bellaria, Italy, confirmed for me that the story of media change is similar throughout Europe – on the one hand decline of some traditional big players, particularly newspapers, and on the other the increase in media created by individuals and small groups. I also heard about work in community media centres in Holland similar to that developing in the UK.

I first talked to two people who have a good overview of what’s happeningin local media. Peter de Groot teaches media economics, while Simon Strömberg works in the field for the Culture Administration in Stockholm. Both are also involved in the Media Coaches network that trains teachers, librarians, health workers and others to help children, parents and others use the web.
I was particularly interested in the implications for journalists seeing their jobs disappear, and for activists in local communities creating their own blogs and online communities. In the UK local activists are being supported by Talk About Local and Community Voices. (read more...)

Could 20thC civic join up with 21stC hyperlocal?

The Civic Trust was an important force for conservation and local pride for 50 years, with a network of campaigning civic societies and an awards programme. I found the Regeneration Unit in particular great people to work with on a number of projects.  But earlier this year the Trust ran out of money, and closed … and I confess I didn’t even notice. That shows how far I’ve given up reading magazines, and moved online. It may also show how little visibility the Trust had in the new online world. (read more...)

Talking About Local in Stoke

Saturday’s unconference organised in Stoke on Trent by Will Perrin’s Talk About Local team was quite brilliant. It brought together an amazing range of people who are creating hugely interesting local blog sites and online communities  … yet often (read more...)

Seriously Civic Social Media in Brum

Today’s the last chance to comment on the Birmingham Big City Plan, so in case I have one or two readers up that way I’d better get this posted, and also endorse Nick Booth’s recommendation to click over to the independent Big City Talk. There (read more...)