We held last night's blogger meetup in NE Philly at The Grey Lodge Pub.
Like the last NE Philly effort, a great time was had by those that came, but the numbers were underwhelming (both efforts - last year's and this years) - just 3 folks came out. This contrats from CC Philly meetups where 6 to 15 people are the norm with minimal reach out.
We'll be attempting to hold meetups across the entire city if my energy holds up. I think the more of us meet face to face and connect the better.
There are three reasons for the low turnout I can see:
1. There are more bloggers around Center City then NE Philly (doubtful)
2. NE Philly bloggers are less connected to the main veins of communication about meetups in CC (meetup.com)
3. NE Philly bloggers are less likely to meetup in the first place due to undetermined reasons (doubtful)
4. I didn't reach out in a way that would attract more bloggers (most likely - my communication skills leave much to be desired).
Now, it needs to be said that to some, NE Philly, West Philly, South Philly, North Philly, seem like they are on different continents from CC Philly. But each can be reached within minutes of each other. This is a big city, but not *that* big.
So it comes down to culture and communications.
Plan on two meetups next month, one in NE Philly and one in CC Philly. It may take a while to establish the NE Philly meetup, but it will be worth it.
On the same note, if you would like to help organize, let me know (I'll be replying to those who have already sent me emails hopefully later today). Lets get this started all across Philly :)
Thanks to those who came on by:
We had a great time, good conversation (and great fries and beer - The Grey Lodge Pub is a terrific spot for a night out), so it was a big success. May it grow into a larger one.
Be seeing you,
Karl
Networking
I had no idea that there was a NE blogger meetup. I am up near the NE Airport. I spend most of my time in Center City.
I am also the co-organizer for the Philadelphia ChangeMakers/ChangeBloggers Initiative. ChangeMakers/ChangeBloggers is a national initiative aimed at bring bloggers, community organizers and other individuals who are at the intersection of social change and social media together, in order to build capacity for social justice initiatives. We are gearing up to launch our efforts in the city with a community blogger meeting on Saturday, November 22.
Would it be possible for me to send you the invitation to post to your network?
Thank you!
Cheers,
Kathrin
Absolutely
Hi Kathrin, please do. I will make sure that message gets approved.
I'm a terrible promoter but will work at it :) It would be great to have you involved in the blogger meetup as well.
Philly community bloggers unite
Hi Karl,
Sorry I couldn't make it Tuesday. So I'll keep in touch. While blogging can reach the world, it seems to me that it ought to be even more powerful when connecting with a community, so while I blog globally I keep looking for local groups that can help me bridge the gap between far and near.
Jerry
Memory Writers Network
Philly community bloggers unite
Hi Karl,
Sorry I couldn't make it Tuesday. So I'll keep in touch. While blogging can reach the world, it seems to me that it ought to be even more powerful when connecting with a community, so while I blog globally I keep looking for local groups that can help me bridge the gap between far and near.
Jerry
Memory Writers Network
NE phila
Can I be added to your email list for these meetings? I'd love to attend. I recently relocated to NE philly from the pocono region, where I blogged pretty regularly on local politics. While I've taken a bit of a sabbatical, I'm still an avid blog reader (lurker?) and would love to be a part of your group.