Archive for category Events
Tweetups and blogs: 2 things we like in abundance
Posted by Daniel Victor in Events, Partnerships on July 28, 2010
If you didn’t make it out to Whitlow’s on Wilson Tuesday night, you missed a fun time with local bloggers, Twitter users, TBD staff and other good people. Check out the photos from our inaugural tweetup on our Facebook page, and see more photos from Clarendon Culture.
Though we don’t have our next tweetup planned just yet, we can assure you there will be many more.
We’re also happy to announce six new members of our always-growing TBD Community Network. This group includes the FanSided network of sports blogs, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside them. (Capitals Outsider, another FanSided blog, has already been introduced as part of the network.)
Joining us now are:
DC Pro Sports Report
They Say: Covering pro sports from the Capital of the free world.
Food Truck Fiesta
They Say: A real-time automated DC food truck tracker + commentary!
We Say: Locating your favorite food truck has never been easier. Kyle over at Food Truck Fiesta provides an awesome real-time automated food truck map, plus a blog that’s updated throughout the day.
Riggo’s Rag
They Say: Riggo’s Rag is an in-depth, non-biased blog about Washington, D.C.’s favorite team: the Washington Redskins.
We Say: It’s pretty hard to get too much news from training camp, and we know Riggo’s Rag will be all over it. Here you’ll find a combination of original reporting, analysis and aggregation.
Teddy Never Wins
They Say: Teddy Never Wins is a Washington Nationals blog. Whether is be breaking news, funny commentary, or penetrating opinion we’re on it.
TheDCPLACE
They Say: TheDCPLACE is a progressive, online Video Magazine that brings commerce, volunteerism, the arts and going green Together. TheDCPLACE presents short, co-host guided video webspots, links and news about People, Leisure, Arts, Community Service, and Entertainment (P L A C E).
We Say: Todd Clark and his team of video reporters provide a look into the city’s cultural events. TheDCPLACE is also committed to volunteerism and “going green,” and highlights area programs and volunteer opportunities.
Wiz of Awes
They Say: Wiz of Awes is the premier Washington Wizards blog on the net. Check it out for all the latest developments in the brand new John Wall era.
We Say: The blog has been active even during the long off-season, which makes us think it’ll be a must-read as Wall takes over.
Meet TBD in real life at our first tweetup
Posted by Mandy Jenkins in Events on July 23, 2010
The Urban Dictionary defines a tweetup as “A gathering of nerds attempting social contact, likely for the first time. Usually disintegrates into everyone running to the nearest computer to type to one another.”
We at TBD know you don’t have to be a nerd – or even be on Twitter- to appreciate a good tweetup, especially if there’s beer involved.
Join some of the TBD staff Tuesday, July 27 from 5:30 to 8 as we attempt social contact (though not for the first time)… over happy hour specials at Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington.
WoW’s happy hour specials run from 4-7 pm and include $2 PBR and Miller High Life cans; $3 drafts (not including Guinness); $3 red or white house wine and $3 rail drinks. If you’re hungry, we’ll just happen to be there for $4 Taco Tuesday, you you’ve got that going for you.
TBD staffers will be around to answer your questions, take your suggestions and steal chips from your plate.
You can RSVP at our Facebook page – or just show up and surprise us.
Taking it to the streets with public office hours
Posted by Mandy Jenkins in Events on July 19, 2010
Remember when you were a kid and your mom would chide you to “Go outside and play with your friends”? She knew it wasn’t good for you to spend all of your time in front of a TV or computer – and we feel the same way here at TBD.
Interacting with readers, sources and community partners will be part of what we do every day – though usually through Twitter, blog posts, chats and the like. We understand that to really be part of the community is to be IN the community – as in, not staring at a glowing rectangle from our desks at TBDHQ.
With that in mind, we are starting public “office hours” where you can informally meet up with TBD staff to share your ideas, feedback, criticism or just some company over coffee.
Here’s how it’ll work. TBD staffers will tweet out when and where they’ll be working outside the office. If you’re in the area or want to escape from the office for a little while, stop by the location and look for the TBD logo. Pull up a chair and chat for awhile.
We’ll kick this off tomorrow morning at Java House near Dupont Circle, where Lisa Rowan and I will be working from 10 to noon or so. I hope you can come by and say hello.
We get that you can’t always get away during work hours, so we’ll still be holding regular happy hour meet-ups and tweetups. Stay tuned for those event announcements on our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
We hope to meet you – in person! – soon.
- Mandy Jenkins
Top 5 Questions at TECH Cocktail
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 18, 2010
Lux Lounge was packed last night for TECH Cocktail. It was loud. But many of the attendees visited our table to talk to our staffers, learn about our efforts, and maybe even take home a T-shirt. (These shirts are pretty hot right now. Look for one on someone you know!)
TECH Cocktail also brought up the toughest questions we’ve received so far. I give a lot of credit to the guy who said to me, “I think local news is boring.” I gave him my e-mail address and told him to let me know what he thinks once we launch. If we can get him interested in local news, then we’re doing our job. Instead of being nervous about his response (okay, maybe I’m a little nervous), I’m looking forward to his thoughts. What’s a good project if it doesn’t present a challenge every now and then?
In case you missed it or didn’t get to talk to us, here’s a run-down of the most commonly asked questions last night.
Top Five Questions asked at TECH Cocktail:
5. What’s TBD? That’s an easy one. TBD will be your new home for local news, both on TBD.com and TV’s NewsChannel 8. If you want to know what’s going on in your part of the region, we’ll be your first stop for the story.
4. Will you have original reporting, or are you just an aggregator? We’ll be much more than an aggregator. We’d rather you call us a collaborator, as we’ll be using our own original reporting as well as the views of the community to paint the most complete picture of the news in our area. If you have a blog and want to be a part of our network, let us know.
3. How many people are on staff? We’ve got about 25 people right now, among them editors, community engagement staffers, and reporters starting to trickle in. When we launch, we expect to have a staff of almost 50.
2. What makes TBD different? TBD recognizes that local blogs and independent news websites need to be acknowledged as legitimate sources of information. We hate when people wrinkle their noses when they say “blogger.” We’re embracing the trend, both by aggregating local blog posts and by working together with bloggers in workshops, and on special events held on the web, TV, or live and in person.
1. When do you launch? We have an idea — late summer, probably. But we can’t just come out and tell you before it’s time. Start-ups of every size require a ton of flexibility, so even something as concrete as an anticipated launch date can change. We’ll be here soon enough.
Salute Your Start-Ups
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 16, 2010
DC Week is about bringing people together: tech types, entrepreneurs, news junkies, the works. One of the unique events that we’re taking part in is TECH Cocktail, tomorrow night at Lux Lounge. Although it’s tough to consider us one in the traditional sense, we’ll be featured among a couple of start-ups in our area that you should be keeping an eye on. Investors can seek out great new projects, while social media enthusiasts and tech smarties can exchange ideas and perhaps collaborate.
And of course, there are cocktails.
A bunch of us from the TBD gang will be in attendance, so wave if you spot us. Lisa will be manning our demo table. Stop by to chat and maybe take home some swag!
Jeff Pulver discusses the “State of Now” and announces new site to “donate” Tweets
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 15, 2010
Jeff Pulver’s passion for connecting with people started on CB radio as a child. Pulver was fascinated by the instant friendships that developed over the airwaves. Those exchanges that filled his free time as a teenager deserve a lot of credit for developing Pulver’s social media smarts.
On the anniversary of the first 140 Characters Conference in New York, Pulver reflected on the “state of now,” the realtime internet that has become a part of our daily lives. But while it feels powerful to be able to speak out at will on a variety of topics (from policy to breakfast), engagement is more than just speaking.
During his DC Week session, the new tech expert noted four essential elements of successful interaction: listen, connect, share, and engage. “Numbers get you attention,” Pulver said, referring to Twitter followers, “But it’s what you do with the attention that matters.” Instead of focusing on analytics, he urged the audience to focus on people.
The individual people connecting online are now affecting change. The tools available are the catalysts, leading to discoveries that everyone has the ability to cause change.
Near the conclusion of the talk, Pulver announced the launch of JustCoz.org, a platform that will allow users to “donate” their tweets to a cause they’re passionate about. JustCoz.org is free for both the organizations and the users who may not have the means to donate money to all their favorite causes.
But in the increasingly connected world, we risk becoming hyperconnected. The inability to disconnect or filter the overwhelming amount of information available will cause suffering beyond the notorious Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. “Take a hard look at how you connect and communicate,” Pulver advised. By beginning to filter our communication streams, we can make the most of the “now media moments” that Pulver said can really affect change.
We took some shaky video– check it out:
Live (Sort of) from DC Week: Traditional and Social Media Coming Together
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 15, 2010
USA TODAY's Brian Dresher, NPR's Andy Carvin, and moderator Carlos Roig
It may be difficult to imagine a tie between National Geographic and Aviation Week. But together with USA Today and NPR, these media organizations are using social media tools to revitalize relationships with their readers.
The Social and Traditional Media panel, hosted by USA TODAY, drew an audience of more than a hundred to hear about the trials and errors made by those who can be considered pioneers in social media.
Adapting to and adopting social media tools involves a cultural shift for many organizations. Brian Dresher, manager of social media and digital partnerships for USA TODAY, explained that journalistic standards have to be flexible to fit into the more casual environment on Facebook or Twitter. “It’s like going to a party,” he said. “You have to dress up for that party.”
Another aspect of the shift is the audience itself. Andy Carvin, senior strategist for NPR’s Social Media Desk, recalled times when volunteers have stepped in to assist in producing content for big stories. “We’ve tried to create an atmosphere where it’s okay to ask for help from the public,” Carvin said.Through volunteering, listeners and collaborators can build relationships with NPR and perform “serious public service” with their skills or talents.
Further, Carvin shies away from referring to ‘audiences.’ “It’s a community,” he corrected. “’Audience’ is too passive.”
For an organization that works on a longer editorial calendar, Robert Michael Murray, vice president of Social Media for National Geographic, said that social media progress can come in “fits and spurts.” But progress in social media is a part of what Murray referred to as a “larger ecosystem.” “It’s a crowded landscape, a crowded mediascape,” he said. “We have to make sure we become embedded in [the reader’s] lifestyle.”
The panelists seemed to agree that social media involvement is a long-term investment. Dresher explained a term used at USA TODAY: ROIII. “Return on Interaction, Influence, and Investment” signifies a shift away from the instant gratification of traffic and instead toward a greater experience for those interacting with the newspaper online.
It may be those increasingly flexible journalistic standards that drive organizations to embrace social media for the benefit of readers and users. “People are fanatical about our niche and we have a responsibility to get that information out to people,” Benet Wilson, online managing editor for Aviation Week, said. Filling that responsibility can cause fear for those who may be unfamiliar with the tools available. Wilson recommended asking for help, even if it means going outside your own organization to find it. “Start with one thing,” she advised. “It rolls from there.”
Weekend Roundup
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 14, 2010
DC Week is in full swing, and we’re prepping for several days of information overload this week!
A bunch of us stayed up late to attend the opening party on Friday. Some of us got a little more intimate with the decor than others. But we rose at an appropriate hour on Saturday morning in order to host brunch at Mie N Yu.
We had a good mix of bloggers, new media enthusiasts, and people who like to eat. We were surprised and delighted to learn that we could sit in the famed birdcage, and a fun group enjoyed the unique seating area for quite a while. Our thanks to Mie N Yu for hosting us and sponsoring the bar. A mimosa makes an early Saturday morning a little bit easier!
Look at them all, tweeting away!
Check out a few more photos from brunch here. See you around this week!
Find TBD at DC Week
Posted by Mandy Jenkins in Events on June 11, 2010
Timing is everything, or so they say, so it seems fitting for Digital Capital Week to be going on right as TBD is preparing for its summer launch.
The festival kicks off tonight and runs through next weekend. There will be events all over the city — including one hosted by TBD on Saturday — and our staff will be attending quite a few of these to watch and learn from the best DC has to offer.
Here are our top picks from the DC Week schedule. You’re likely to see one of us at these events, if not all of us! If you want to meet up with us (in person, even!) at these events, please let us know. We’re always eager to hear your ideas and take your questions. If nothing else, we’ll probably be tweeting like crazy, so keep an eye on us and the #dcweek hashtag.
Tonight!
Opening party at Long View Gallery. If you don’t already have a ticket, act fast; if you plan to buy at the door, prepare for a long line and risk the chance of not getting in at all. We’ll be packing the gallery and alley to see all the fun performances on tap.
Saturday
TBD Brunch at Mie N Yu. (What, you didn’t expect us to plug our own event??) We’re welcoming the DC Week crowd by merging one of our blogger meetups with a fun brunch. Meet and greet with your favorite new media types, eat, and be merry. We’ll have information about our upcoming blog network, too.
Monday
Mediabistro and Social Times cocktail party at Skye Lounge. We just can’t stop socializing.
Tuesday
Time to get down to business. Tuesday’s got a powerful lineup of panels and speakers, so look for us at the following:
Social and Traditional Media Panel. Learn about the hows and whys of traditional media’s adoption of social media tools. Speakers include Brian Dresher, who leads social media efforts for USA TODAY.
The State of Now with Jeff Pulver. How does social media impact the news? TV-on-the-Internet expert Jeff Pulver breaks it down for us.
Both of the above sessions, held at the National Geographic Society, are sold out, so get on the wait list in a hurry.
Online Engagement for Sustainable Urban Mobility. “Getting there” is likely to be a hot topic in this area for generations to come. We’ll be learning about how online tools can improve transportation and urban planning.
Wednesday
Transparency on the Social Web. This panel, a part of Gov and Org 2.0 day, will discuss the ways in which online engagement and social media intersect with government. Facebook account-wielding future politicians will want to get the scoop before starting their campaigns!
Social Media 202: an advanced discussion in online community building. Looking to build your brand online? This is the place to learn how.
Ignite DC. To be honest, we’re not sure what to expect. But it looks like a fun mix of art, technology, and improv. We like when things blend together like that.
Thursday
#140conf DC. A fast-paced, lively look at how Twitter activity can impact everything from literacy to live sporting events. If a ticket is out of your budget, you might be able to catch it streaming online.
TECH Cocktail DC. We’ll have a table at this event that highlights emerging startups. It connects techies, entrepreneurs, bloggers and more—and it’ll connect you to us if you come visit!
Friday
When Failure and Criticism are Public. Our lives — including our careers — are hosted online. What happens when something goes wrong? Time to find out.
Advertising: For the People, by the People. Crowdsourcing + advertising + social media. Get the ideas flowing here.
Saturday
techARTS Closing Party. Area music fans chose the local bands that will be closing out the week with a late-night party at perennial favorite 9:30 Club. You won’t be able to hear all the new friends you made over the course of the week, so stick to dancing and rocking out. We won’t criticize your dance skills. Promise.
See you there!
Blogger Bingo
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Events on June 9, 2010
Community Engagement Director Steve Buttry (right) welcomes the lunch crowd.
We hosted another blogger meetup today, this time at Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington. We don’t encourage skipping out on work in the middle of the day, but we were pleased to see that so many bloggers could slip away to join us for a bit of lunch.
Dan Victor and I were chatting with Colleen Levine of Foodie Tots and commenting on the diversity of blog topics that we’ve seen, when the big lightbulb popped up over my head:
Blogger Bingo.
We’ve met everyone from food bloggers to urban planners at our recent meetups. Why not make it a game? Watch out, SXSW Bingo. TBD Blogger Bingo might just show up at a meetup or Tweetup near you.