Comments on: Creating Community Through Relevant Local Information

By: Tak Hikichi

Tak Hikichi — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:46:21 +0000

Christine,
I just began a hyper local blog for my city, hoping to involve more local folks to exchange information locally, and your article was at great timing. Only one out of 4 to 5 local publications I read offers RSS updates and others still have old MS Frontpage websites. I wanted to be connected more locally and thought I’d have to write a blog, urging others to embrace local search concepts.

By: greg cryns

greg cryns — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:12:26 +0000

Thanks for a very interesting article. I’ve had local sites of my own for many years.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:12:06 +0000

Elaine, wonderful examples! Very interesting to witness successful reinvention of news delivery and integration into the fabric of a community. I believe there is tremendous potential with these concepts. Thank you.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:06:59 +0000

Sharon, thanks for these two ideas.
The wiki one is particularly intriguing as it facilitates collaboration. I can see it working effectively with greater participation.
The regional website maintained by a larger interested entity [like a c of c] is interesting, too. Thanks for the Lake Sunapee example.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:56:59 +0000

Matt, thanks for the hitwise info for Liverpool. Very interesting to observe that level of localised information.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:24:48 +0000

The organization I work for has spent the last several years addressing exactly this issue. Please visit http://www.newspapernext.org for all kinds of free (and one small paid) resources.
I also direct you to an actual newspaper that’s becoming its community’s Complete Community Connection (which they refer to as C3): The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, IA. Their change agent’s critical blog: http://www.stevebuttry.wordpress.com. Look for his Blueprint for the Complete Community Connection.

By: Sharon Elin

Sharon Elin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:13:34 +0000

I'm wondering if a wiki would be a good vehicle for adding information about a local region... especially for permanent information such as local attractions. Current news could have a page that is in flux daily or weekly. Another option is a regional website, maintained by a Chamber of Commerce or any interested party. Here's an example from Lake Sunapee, NH: http://www.lake-sunapee-living.com/

By: Matt Churchill

Matt Churchill — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:09:05 +0000

Hitwise released some local data for Liverpool - http://weblogs.hitwise.com/robin-goad/2009/06/local_internet_data_liverpool.html I think that the more localised services can be made, the more useful they will be so the more people will use them.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:09:04 +0000

KJ Rodgers, I think you’re right and local is growing fast. I’m really intrigued with what the New York Times has creates with ‘The Local.’ It’s part of a transformation in how we think, absorb information, interpret it, and use it to connect with others around us. It’s definitely a work in progress!
Thanks for contributing.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:06:46 +0000

led panel – thank you.