Positively 47th Street: Brian Simpson and The Roger Smith Hotel

New York has always been a hub for people to gather and collect.  Neighborhoods formed based on ethnic and social realities.  Places are dubbed hot and cool often based on their cross streets.  So much of New York is about how and why people get together.  In the 1960′s, Greenwich Village erupted with the Folk Movement.  While Bob Dylan and a handful of others may be the names that people remember, it in fact drew from a cast of thousands – all coming together for reasons that centered around one idea:  folk music.  It’s a simple concept – give people a place to enjoy their passions, and they will congregate.  Yet, this simple concept is extremely hard to pull off.

The Roger Smith Hotel is pulling it off.  On Twitter the other day, I called Brian Simpson of the Roger Smith the David Van Ronk of the New York Social Media scene.  Van Ronk was dubbed the “Mayor of MacDougal street” and while “mayor” might have a different connotation in the social media world thanks to Foursquare, Brian has served many as a conventional one might.  Brian has helped cultivate the Roger Smith to be the Social Media haven.  The other night it culminated in having over 50+ people at the Roger Smith checking in on Foursquare.  Brian was there, somewhat in the shadows, watching as multiple events that centered around Social Media took place.  DigitalSomethings was upstairs.  A Tweetup downstairs.  Watching them mix and marry into an amorphous cloud of people, you can’t help but feel like something special is in the works.

Now, I’m new to town.  I haven’t known the regulars in the Social Media scene here for that much time.  I just know that the Roger Smith has a reputation from those in town, and a mythos to those out of town.  It probably feels like what places like the Gaslight, Gerde’s, Cafe Wha? and the Folklore Center must have felt like to the folk crowd.  As social media, mobile, and location based technology becomes motivation for offline events, what other venues and hubs will develop?  The Roger Smith is one of the first ones that I discovered.  I don’t need to keep track of check ins to see who is the “Mayor” of that place – and maybe even of this New York scene in general….

A Real Community: Prayers for Anissa

Over the last few months, mainstream media has questioned “Mommy Bloggers” and the ethics around it. There have been FTC regulations, blog posts questioning the authenticity and trust of these bloggers, and arguments in every which way that often paint a horrible picture of all “Mommy Bloggers.”

What they never see is what happened today. My friend Anissa Mayhew had a stroke last night. Watching from work, I fought back tears every time a read a blog post about all the people in the blogosphere that Anissa touched in some way. I never had the pleasure to work WITH her, but I’ve had the pleasure of hearing her laugh, say something off color and hilarious, and just bring joy to the people around her. As I read these funny stories and heard all the tweets coming through the stream, I couldn’t help but be amazed at what was happening. It’s a beautiful thing – to realize that through social media, we’re not alone.

Ultimately, it’s the community. The community is amazing. We saw it with Maddie. I saw people support me after BlogHer. We’re seeing it now with Anissa. In small and large ways, so many of us have been touched by the power of Social Media and community. It’s an amazingly beautiful thing and I can’t help but be humbled by its power.

Anissa – you have the entire internet pulling for you. We love you and we’re here for you.

What’s Next for Me: Empire State of Mind

Last week, I announced on Twitter that I was leaving Crocs to pursue other opportunities.  Today, I’m proud to announce what my actual plans are.  I am leaving Boulder and the great state of Colorado to return back East to work for R/GA in New York City.  This was a move that happened quickly, but when the opportunity came to join a firm with the reputation and status of R/GA – I couldn’t pass it up.

My time at Crocs was an eventful one.  The last two and a half years of my life were perhaps the happiest I have ever had.  I enjoyed the sun and fresh air of Colorado.  I met some amazing friends.  And I was able to create something I am very proud of for a company that I will always hold dear to my heart.  I finally was able to work in Social Media and use my passion for this form of communication to build a true community around a very well known brand.  It was something that I received great kudos for – whether through official channels or pats on the back at conferences – and for that, I am forever indebted.  The opportunity I have at R/GA would probably not be here if it wasn’t for Crocs.

Photo by @greeblemonkey

Crocs, however, is bigger than I am and I leave behind a social media program that will be in very capable hands.  It’s bittersweet to have to walk away from something I built – knowing that I will no longer have a say in how things are handled – but I feel that the passionate consumer base that I helped organize will be there for whomever takes the reigns.  I’m excited to watch things from the sidelines, to simply be a member of the Crocs community, and to watch the brand, my colleagues and my friends grow.

The personal and professional pressures that I felt really made this decision an easy one.  I simply felt the tug of the city – watching the Yankees win the World Series, listening to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys belt out ballads to the boroughs – I couldn’t help but want to return back to the only place that felt right for me.  Professionally, I loved my time at Crocs but wanted new challenges – I wanted to apply my skill sets in new ways and R/GA provides a greater stage for me to shine.  Agency life will be vastly different.  It will test me in so many different ways.  Yet, in this crucible, I feel I will become a better professional.  I’m excited and I’m glad all of you will be around for the ride.

In the end, like with all social media, I couldn’t have done it without the crowd.  With out all of you out there who read my tweets, my blog posts, who followed my every move on the social web – thank you so much.  It was all of you that made the 12 hour days easy.  It was all the smiles we made together that made this job fun.  You were there for me through everything.  It was your enthusiasm to listen to me that made me who I am.  There is an African proverb that says that the path to greatness is paved by giving thanks to the great that came before you.  You, all those readers and people that follow me, are the greatness that has come before me.  Whether you’re a friend I made in Boulder, contacts I made through the industry, or random pixels of an avatar of someone I never met – I am truly thankful.  Leave a comment below so I know who is out there and who made this past two and a half years the greatest of my short lifetime.

For @Mona: How to Block Facebook Applications

The other day, I was on Twitter and had a quickee conversation with my friend Mona about blocking Facebook applications. Turns out, she didn’t know how. With the feed feature being flooded constantly with applications like Farmville, Yoville, and Mafia Wars – you can’t help but want to get rid of them if you’re not playing them. It ruins the Facebook experience and can drive people who don’t check Facebook often insane.  I thought, if someone like Mona doesn’t know how to block them, most people must not know how.  So, I decided to show Mona and anyone else that wants to know.

The process is actually really simple – just three steps.

Step 1) Next time you get an application request in the upper right corner of Facebook, click on the link.

Step 2) Click on “Block This Application” which is located right below the request.

Step 3) Happy Dance – your Facebook Feed will be free of all annoying applications! Seriously – this has been a godsend to me once I learned how to do this and Mona’s tweet made me realize that, perhaps, not everyone knows how to do this. Since doing this, I don’t get annoying applications that I do not want to be a part of. (I am on Farmville – hence the Farmville notifications).  I have blocked virtually ALL applications.  You can unblock them very easily – just do a search for the application and unblock it.  I would imagine that most people will not be unblocking applications when they block them.

So, Mona – hope this helps!  MWAH – I love ya!

Three Questions on Soci@lbyte

My good friend Elaine Ellis sat down with me and asked me a few questions about social media.  You can find my answers on Socialbyte.net – a new site started by a bunch of great local (Denver area) social media people.  I felt honored that Elaine thought of me and glad that I could be a part of the new site.

That brings me to the main crux of my answers on to the three questions: relationships.  While I know Elaine in the real world – social media allows people to be brought together to form a collaborative atmosphere.  Seeing how people who, in many other businesses, would be deemed competitors help each other out is why I love to be involved in social media.  If I make any mark in my career, I want it to be that I helped everyone I could as much as I could.  That’s how the best relationships are built…

Question: Why Do You Blog?

Growing up, one of the few lessons from childhood that I retained was that my father always encouraged us to ask, “Why?” After all, this question is at the crux of all innovation – it is the curiosity that inspires new thought, new horizons, and new adventures. So – as I spoke on a panel at Blog World Expo, and was asked to summarize the best way that a blogger can help themselves grow – I told them to ask, “Why do you blog?”

For me, that answer is easy. I do it because it is the best venue for me to express myself. Whether it’s thoughts on Social Media that I haven’t found a venue for internally, my appreciation for art and fashion, music reviews – whatever it is – my blog serves as a centerpiece for those conversations. Because of that, it has become one of the best representations of my personality – catering to each unique interest I have while also staying grounded to who I truly am. For me, I could not function without my blog and I write every single post – whether the long format ones here or the ones pulled from my posterous account – with a passion that I hope inspires others.

So, when I had a chance to sit down with some bloggers that I’m friends with – I asked them that simple question. Every blogger had a different answer, but in the end it came down to personal passions. It often came down to community as well – whether that’s a community of moms or a family – and that, to me, is a beautiful thing.

Watch this video and, in the comments below, let me know why you blog.

I want to thank the following bloggers for taking the time and sharing my stories – not all of them were able to be included in the video:

Amanda at HighImpactMom.com
Ann Marie at ThisMommaCooks.com
Beth at ThePlusSizeMommy.com
Drew at BenSpark.com
Danielle at ExtraordinaryMommy.com
Christine at FromDatestoDiapers.com
Monica at MommyBrainReports.com
Melissa at ConsumerQueen.com
Kim at CraftyMamaof4.com
Katja at Skimbacolifestyle.com
Debba at Girlfriendology.com

(Editor’s Note: Not sure why my comments aren’t working on this post. I’m trying to troubleshoot. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you can comment though, leave one. I love hearing why people blog…)

(Editor’s Note 2: Comments are back up – please comment on why you blog!)

Recapping Blog World Expo

What happens in Vegas, pretty much gets posted on the Internet – at least when you’re attending Blog World Expo (Editor’s Note: Minus 10 points for using the same line that probably 100 other #BWE09 attendees used to open up their summary blog post).  After four days that somewhat blended into each other, I am ready to recap the relatively tame weekend that I had.

I arrived in Vegas a lot earlier than I planned and was able to attend Pistacio’s opening Keynote.  From there, I checked into the hotel and unwound from my travels.  I went to Pool ‘Con with Jeremy Tanner, Andrew Hyde, and Jeremiah Owyang for a bit before heading back to the convention to check out Scott Monty’s keynote during lunch. (Editor’s Note: Thanks to the Fiesta Movement from providing impromptu travel arrangements).

The convention center was a buzz of activity.  People were coming in from their travels, attending sessions, and just conversing in the lobby.  The lobby, for me, is always where the best things happen during these conferences and Blog World was no exception.  I was able to connect with so many people that I work with, get introduced to some of my professional idols, and just converse about various things surrounding blogging that I grew as a professional every second I was out there.  It was also nice running into the friends that I so rarely get to see.

The next few days were a complete buzz of activity.  I met so many new people and connected with so many friends – it’s hard to keep track.  I do want to give a shout out to the people on my two panels: Jenn Fowler, Lucretia Pruitt, Lindsay Lebresco for the Panel on How to Work with Big Brands and Not Be Treated like a Mommy.  For my panel on Blogging as the Springboard to community – we have Jeremy Tanner, Jennifer Van Grove, Keith Burtis, and Bryan Elliott.

Considering it was Vegas, I actually kept things relatively low-key.  I spent a lot of time hanging out with friends away from the craziness of the parties.  While this was definitely better for me health wise, I did miss a chance to see a lot of people that I wanted to spend time with – and cause some mischief with weddings and false rumors (Editor’s Note: Did Barry ever show up?).  Tech Karaoke relieved some of that – as I was able to get on stage in front of most of the conference and sing “Rump Shaker” with Wayne Sutton (along with a background dancing appearance by the Queen).

You can take a look at the live updates that I’ve did during the weekend using the tag “BWE09″ on this site and via Twitter. Also, here’s a Flickr Slideshow of the search “BWE09″ to capture the weekend.  I don’t know what people posted on there but that’s part of it – I can’t capture everything from the weekend in just a few words.  This probably will summarize everything a lot better than I could:

Tounge Wagging at Izeafest

This past weekend, I headed down to Orlando to speak at Izeafest.  I was speaking entitled “What Advertisers Want” with John Andrews of Collective Bias, Zena Weist of Embarq, and Joseph Jaffe of Crayon.  When we arrived, we got together and we instantly had some great chemistry – which is important for a panel.  Every event I go to John seems to be there and Zena is someone I wish I saw more frequently.  Jaffe was someone I had never met but it instantly felt I was in the company of an old friend.  We spent time talking about a myriad of things – both professional and recreational – and it would not have been the same event without him there.  I’ll try to find video of our panel as Izea was livestreaming the event so hopefully they have archived it.

I also had a chance to connect with Sarah Evans (Aka PR SarahEvans) and her funny-as-all-hell husband Trey.  Had some great conversations with Julia Roy, David Binkowski, and Aaron Brazell.  Saw friends like Barb Likos, Lucretia Pruitt, Jenn Fowler, Jayson Flint, and Wayne Sutton.  I’m probably forgetting a million people but it was such a whirlwind and I’m fried – so I apologize ahead of time.
Thanks again to Ted Murphy and the great staff at Izea – especially Ashley Edwards who totally rocked getting things prepped for the event.

The NBA set to Unveil Social Media Policy

After the NFL and ESPN’s recent attempts to control the way employees and athletes interact in Social Media, the NBA is set to unveil their official rules regarding communicating via social networks.  Based on this article by ESPN, it seems that the NBA will get applauded by the social media elite for a lax and open policy.  Regardless of these rules, this article contained a quote by Mav’s owner Marc Cuban:

“Asked if the Mavericks will impose their own Twitter restrictions on their players this season, Cuban said Sunday: “Not really. I will talk to the guys about never venting or talking about team business on Twitter. That’s usually what creates problems. [But] Twitter is just another form of media. What you say on Twitter is like saying it on ESPN.”

That’s the perfect interpretation of social media.  It’s just another form of media.  It’s a tool.  If you’re a business, training your employees to at least reach a certain level of media literacy is better than putting up restrictions and rules that may hurt employee morale or, if you’re high profile like ESPN, actually hurt corporate image.  It will be interesting to follow this story and see the exact verbiage of these guidelines, but initial reports look promising.  When more high profile organizations develop an understanding of these tools, it will help all businesses.

Spreading the love

I wouldn’t be where I am in life if it wasn’t for friends.  Friends have pushed me through high school, prodded me during college, and inspired me during my career after.  Since moving to Boulder, I’ve met so many great people that do so many great things.  In fact, it seems that lately – everyone I know is off doing something that is truly inspiring.  I wanted to take a moment and give shout outs to all the things that are going on with friends and acquaintances that I admire:

Andrew Hyde is putting on a conference in Boulder.   After a great summer at Techstars, a bunch of really great Ignite Boulders, and all the other things that Andrew is up to – the conference is called BoCo.  I, unfortunately, won’t be able to attend the conference but I’m sure it will be a good time and embody all the things that I love about Boulder.  (blog: AndrewHyde.net )

My friend Elaine Ellis is actually embarking on a personal journey – forgoing the conventions of job and home to journey the European countryside.  This is something that makes me extremely jealous and sad.  Jealous because I would kill for a reason to go out to Europe with her.  Sad that I will miss having her around, even if I don’t see her enough. (Blog: The Art of Awkard)

Alli Worthington launched her “Smart Girl’s Guide to Twitter” the other day.  Alli is, hands down, one of my favorite people in the world.  I mean, she tried to set me up on a date during BlogHer – I can’t complain about that.  (Blog: MrsFussypants.com and BlissfullyDomestic.com)

Vikas Reddy and Occipital are really kicking some butt.  Just the other day, they released (with Daily Burn) an awesome Food Scanner for the iPhone.  As someone that struggles with dieting, this could be the perfect techy addition to my arsenal to get me on the right track.  Congrats Vikas!  (In addition to Occipital, Vikas has a hilarious Blog called Awkward Rules)

While Boulder may have lost Jeffrey Kalmikoff, I’m excited for him joining Digg.  I didn’t get to know Jeffrey that well, but whenever I was able to talk to him – I was always impressed at his intelligence.  Digg (and San Francisco) just gained a really big asset.  Congrats, Jeffrey!  (Blog: CallMeJeffrey.com)

The ubiquitous Micah Baldwin has left Lijit to join a yet-to-be-named start up.  I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment of his adventures and wish him the best of luck.  (Blog: LearntoDuck.com )

I’m probably missing a lot more.  Friends like Jessica Smith Lucretia Pruitt and Ef Rodriguez have all started new jobs this year.  Kit Seeborg launched her start up Bumpertunes.  Heather Capri and Rachel Ryle are working on TweetyGotBack.com.  Chris Brogan and Tamar Weinberg recently released books that you NEED to buy.  Jason Keath always keeps me on my toes with the great things that he works on – like Social Fresh.  Gwen Bell and Wayne Sutton are spreading love teaching Social Media to the masses.  Jyl Johnson Pattee is kicking butt with Mom It Forward and Office Max’s A Day Made Better Campaign (which will help so many of my friends that are teachers).  It seems like everywhere I turn, people in my network are doing things that I need to tell everyone about.  Unfortunately, I’m not the greatest at doing that so I hope this helps catch me up on the a lot of the biggest things in my friends lives.  Congrats to everyone and I’m so happy to know all of you.