Here are some of the photos I’ve shot this morning. These will be updated through the day.
Tag: Hamilton
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Jetpack Presentation to WordPress Hamilton
Thanks so much to WordPress Hamilton for having me out last night to present an Introduction to Jetpack. There was a great group and we had some interesting questions and insights. Thanks to everyone who came out. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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#FF City of Hamilton
I attended an information session/workshop hosted by the City of Hamilton and McMaster University last night to talk about the communication channels, more specifically, the social media ones, with City Hall.
Alex Sevigny getting the show started My mother originally found the information in The Hamilton Spectator and handed it to me because she knew that I was interested in the City of Hamilton’s website plans. She thought this would be related. So did I.
The evening seemed to go smoothly enough. I always enjoy hearing Dr. Alex Sevigny speak, so hearing him talk about social media and communications seemed like a good way to start the conversation and engagement.
However, it seemed like we were being lectured to, not being asked what we, the citizens, wanted to see and how we thought best to go about doing it. Still, we pushed on to see what was going to come out of it.
Though I enjoyed the exercise, not everyone did. The real discussion emerged after the formal program was over. What I found was that the websites that they mention in the presentation isn’t really dealt with in the discussion parts. The event was very pigeon-holed and directed. It shouldn’t have been. The discussion seemed to separate the website from the social media and communications. Hopefully, they will take not only my comments, but those of all that attended to heart.
Since last night, the City of Hamilton twitter account has increased from about 839 to over 1200 at the time of writing. That’s a 25% increase overnight. Most people are doing #FF to the City of Hamilton today, so their timing was right. But just remember, once you’ve opened those gates, you’d better be prepared for what comes next: the conversation. I’ve already seen two tweets since last night with photos of things the City needs to fix. I have to say that I’m impressed that the City has responded to the tweet and handed it over. Well played…
@UpperGageGarage Thanks for the inquiry, we’ve sent it to our Contact Centre for action.
— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) June 28, 2013
You can also read Joey Coleman’s take before the meeting and will probably post a report afterwards.
Joey Coleman at work I am optimistic which is why I recommend that you follow @CityOfHamilton on this great Follow Friday. I realize they will have a learning curve, which, if they play their cards right, we are willing to help them improve. Jump in #HamOnt!
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#FF WordCamp Hamilton
WordCamp Hamilton 2013 It’s a big WordPress month for me here and probably more to come, but let’s get the second Follow Friday post underway!
Next weekend, Hamilton will be hosting its first WordCamp at the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Tanenbaum Pavillion. I’ve attended two WordCamps in Toronto and they were fantastic. This one is our first go, so we’re going with a single day at a very reasonable price.
I unfortunately won’t be able to attend myself, though I have played a minor role in helping to organize. But hey, when one of your best friends is getting married, they’ve let me off the hook.
Some of the notable people they have talking at the event are Joey Coleman, Al Davis and Kevin Browne. I just had Joey visit my class at Sheridan College the other day and it was a blast! I’ve also seen Al do presentations at WordCamp Toronto and I’m looking forward to most likely hearing him there in a few months again.
If you’ve never attended a WordCamp before, it’s a great event for beginners and advanced alike. I highly recommend it. You can purchase tickets for a mere $20 (just lowered from $25!) on their website here and make sure you follow them @WordCampHamOnt. Have an awesome time!
