The New Media Discussion

[Wolfy]

So some of you know about the issue some of us have with new media groups such as the Nevada New Media thing, and some of us have already weighed in on it. The issue is fairly simple to me. If your goal is to coalesce a movement around new media, social media and online communities in nevada, wouldn't you start here in this forum? Wouldn't you engage the local bloggers? wouldn't you consult with the experts who already have a forum up, running and vibrant?

Having attended the New Media Expo in Las Vegas last August I can tell you that the only good presentations were the ones which focused on person experience, stories, creativity and craft. The ones that dealt with tactics, strategy, and tools were boring, salesy and lame. That's what i see is missing from most new media, social media groups, blogs, videos, podcasts and what not i come across. You learn more by doing and paying attention to what others are doing well.

-M

[bobc]

Don,

Coming back full circle, oddly, I think attending the summit might be just the thing you're looking for. No doubt these discussions have driven the buzz to date. It depends on what happens with it of course -- so much of it is being put together with little to no transparency or community input. Nevertheless, a few proposals that I know of being developed, if accepted, will likely help answer some of these questions -- or at the very least, generate some thought.

-b

[dave aiazzi]

And what exactly is the purpose of the summit again? Maybe one of the discussions could be whether I should actually sign all my posts. I think it's silly because above this missive it already tells everyone who posted it. I think it's important that every meeting have a goal. If this huge question on manners could be put to rest once and for all, I and all users of social networks world-wide would consider the summit on new media to be a success.

you already know who

[Elisa Maser]

Not to mention - we've all got these great teeny tiny pictures next to our posts too.

It does get a little confusing when folks use a cryptic handle (like Wolfy) and then sign their posts with one letter ("-M").

Hmmmmmmmm - I think you could fill up a panel with the pros / cons of this one.

- e

[Tracy Viselli]

I want to address a few things if I may.

1. The purpose of the group and the way it will function will be decided by attendees at the Summit during the last session of the day which will be a sort of townhall where everyone can discuss how to move forward (or not). Because of time constraints, this information was not on the website yet--but that has always been the plan. An board was formed quickly because I guess you need a board for these things. That I leave for others to address. I would have been happy with an Unconference.

2. The idea for a Summit was hatched exactly three months ago. And real work didn't begin until a month ago for various reasons (holidays, absence, other projects). Unfortunately, there is a super short time frame because the Reynolds School of Journalism offered resources and funds and space--an opportunity we thought we couldnt turn away. That's why we can offer the event at such a low price--its practically free--so anyone can attend. Ed Lenert, who the idea originated with, wanted it to cap off Journalism week so that lots of students would be interested and attend. The children are our future after all and the conference will cost them $10. If the event didn't have these logistical concerns to, well consider, and we had a year to plan, every body would probably be sick to death of town halls and planning meeting invitations. The decision was made to seize the day and the event because we could get a budget to help us fund it. There was no conscious effort on anyone's part to exclude anyone. Honestly, its mostly just been about the lack of time. If you attend the Summit, you'll be able to stage a coup if you like and form a group in your own image or whatever image you like in that townhall meeting at the end of the event. I would love to hand the website off to someone else if nothing else.

3. The idea for the Summit is to do exactly what your guys are talking about in this discussion--get everyone together and teach each other what we know--everyone--beginners and experts, PR and advertising, real estate and government/nonprofit, haters and lovers. Fundamentally, the idea is to provide a forum, support, and opportunities to network and help each other out. And maybe we can have some fun too.

4. The board voted to change the name (note, I am not on the board) because they wanted to have a more descriptive name. Interactive media provides more breadth--therefore a bigger umbrella for those who might be interested in attending.

5. No one is trying to seize a mantle or claim expertise. Again the idea is to get everyone together who is interested and provide opportunities to teach, to learn, to absorb, to network---for everyone. Send in proposals if you want to be an expert.

6. Since I have moved to Reno, I have noticed a heightened sense of ownership over territory and ideas. Others have spoken to me about this as well. I'm not claiming innocence, but I do recognize that It limits us all. Why not take the opportunity presented and do with it what you will? If people really wanted to control the conference, they wouldn't open it up to proposals, but rather ask only those they want to present. That would be an exclusive event, but the board didn't consider it because it defeats the purpose.

I don't know if you feel this way, but there is nothing better than attending an event that energizes you and gets you thinking about new ideas or how to adapt the ideas of someone else to what you do. Its intellectually stimulating and the connections you make are personally gratifying. That is all we wanted to do.

The intent behind all of this is altruistic--its about growing the Reno new media culture and supporting people like you, who make up the community. With new events like this, like Ignite Reno, like the proposed BarCamp on news innovation, we can all grow together as a community and feed off each other. Wouldn't it be cool if we could become the next technology incubator--like Boulder for instance? They get together all the time for events--present ideas to each other and they are better for it. The number of start-ups coming out of the Boulder area now is amazing and its because the community is connected and almost hyper generous. That kind of energy is infectious!

I do hope people can overcome our mistakes and limitations and any doubts or suspicions that you have and help us make it a success for all. Thanks!

[Mike Jamieson]

A coup potential? THAT'S IT! I am going (I hope, given travel plans.) This I wouldn't want to miss.

Speaking of specialties/expertise: so far, I've noticed I'm the only one in charge of the Reno X-Files! Political punditry is so yesterday. But, that's where everyone wants to focus still.

[Mike Jamieson]

Well, re: my characterization above on where everyone wants to focus, that's obviously not true. Lots of great blogs focusing on a wide variety of things. But, near as I can tell, I'm the only one documenting the Alien Invasion of Reno! (And, that's puzzling too. You would think this would be page one news, lol!)

[Mike Jamieson]

Wolfy, I just figured out why our blogs aren't showing up at http://outside.in/Reno_NV
We have to register and enter our blog. Real simple. When a completely unrelated (to Reno) article
at my other blog (not at all about Reno, except for my Peavine Mtn articles) showed up at outside.in yesterday,
I realized I must have already registered that blog. (Getting old is pretty fun!)

[Wolfy]

that sounds like a lot of work.

-M

[Les]

There has obviously been an unfortunate misunderstanding of what this Nevada Interactive Media (Nevada IM) summit is intended to accomplish. The summit is supposed to be a gathering, in-person, of everyone in the area who produces or provides any form of new media, for broadcast, off-line or on the web. The only reasons there will be presenters is to give some form and structure to the gathering and to provide information and ideas to those who don't already have the skills and resources to make any one medium or a combination of new media work for them. You are all welcome to come and participate at any level you wish, even if it's only to come to the townhall and help in the organization of a community-wide association or just participating in the ignite, after hours.
I'm sorry if some of you may feel excluded because you weren't invited to join in the long-slog of handling the logistics and headaches of organizing the summit. We're looking for volunteers if you're willing to pitch in and help.

[bobc]

"I'm sorry if some of you may feel excluded because you weren't invited to join in the long-slog of handling the logistics and headaches of organizing the summit."

Right. That's exactly what the kerfluffle has been about.

[Mike McDowell]

kerfluffle : )

definitely the first time I have ever seen that word!

[Elisa Maser]

Where have you been? Geez ... that's a great word.