Facebook, so much to do and so little time to do it in!

[mentalsolstice]

For the past year I've become friends or fan of so many local groups and businesses, I'm finding my weekends are really starting to fill up. For instance, this weekend I attended a farmer's market in the morning and an grand opening a of a large urban park in the evening. Yesterday, I went on a Parade of Homes. This parade is held quarterly...it usually comprises 5-6 homes for sale. In addition, local artists and musicians are invited to showcase their work in the houses. It's all part of an effort by a small non-profit trying to revitalize a neighborhood in need of lots of TLC, and an effort to establish an arts district in our city.

Other weekends we've been to Sat. night movies in various parks. We've also attended movies at our old theater, est. 1927, complete concerts on the Mighty Wurlitzer during the intermission, and tickets are only $7 apiece. I can't even begin to list the gallery showings we've been to.

So many of our local nonprofits and mom & pops which are unable to afford traditional advertising, can now reach large groups, thanks to Facebook. I'd say 80% of what we've done locally this summer has been because of FB announcements. I'm looking forward to many more activities in the future.

[Lyric]

1. This is very true. It happened here as well.

Our local farmer's market and organic food co-op have both had their business increase significantly thanks to Facebook's "viral advertising" capabilities. I also really love getting to hear about local events that I would otherwise have never known about--poetry readings, quilt shows, flea markets, etc. I really like this aspect of the site.

[mentalsolstice]

2. With the economy...

I think a lot of us are realizing our communities are central to all aspects of our lives. And if the PTBs do nothing, by goddess we'll take matters into our own hands and make sure our neighborhoods are inhabitable. As an urban planner, my husband sees it a lot...small groups trying to make sure residential, business, retail and entertainment come together in a way that is accessible, affordable and safe.

It's a little recognized movement, however, there was an editorial in our newspaper last week about the courage of individuals and small groups pouring their time, effort and $$$ into revitalization causes that may or may not make it. It was spurred on by the death of the person who took on the revitalization of the theater mentioned in the OP. He didn't want to see it torn down and he wanted it to be accessible. If your interested, check it out, http://www.alabamatheatre.com/. Some events are more expensive than others, but we recently attended a Hitchcock double feature for $7 a piece.

Such efforts are succeeding by word of mouth because of sites like Facebook.

eta: grammar

[NightWatcher]

3. social networks do bring people together and not just waste time

I have enjoyed becoming more plugged in as of late, and since I got an iPhone I've become even more connected to people and movements

[mentalsolstice]

10. Isn't it great!

To go and explore your community.

[jobycom]

4. Nice post. I'm on facebook, but you've just given me more ideas on how to use it.

I've got a few connections to local groups, but now I'm thinking there's still more out there.

Great post. :thumbsup:

[mentalsolstice]

11. I've found many local groups & small businesses

Most of them can't advertise any other way. We've had some great brunches on Sat. at mom & pop restaurants.

[jobycom]

13. I've been avoiding promoting businesses by friending them, but

this thread has convinced me to do otherwise. :)

[racaulk]

5. Facebook has been really good for me as well.

I have been able to find lost friends from high school and college, folks that I haven't spoken with for the better part of two decades. These were relationships that I cherished at the time, and I so appreciate having this tool to be able to reconnect with them and rebuild.

Also, I have a few friends that are artists and art museum curators, and they use FB to push out announcements about their exhibits and happenings. FB is also good to post announcements about birthday parties, cookouts, baby showers, or whatever.

Life is often busy for many of us, almost to the point that our lives live us (instead of vice versa). Facebook (and other social networking sites like Twitter) can be a valuable tool to help you manage your schedule and relationships with other people, as long as it's not used to excess...not that I would know anything about that. ;)

[flvegan]

6. I'm addicted to Mafia Wars.

[mentalsolstice]

7. Of course the friendly warrior shows up!

Because of you, my love, I know where the cyber-battles are being fought. :loveya:

[flvegan]

8. *blushes*

[mentalsolstice]

9. Admit it!

You've been to a rescue event or a dog friendly park because of a FB announcement.

[flvegan]

12. Oh, you don't want to know what I've done vis a vis a FB announcement.

[jobycom]

14. Why am I not surprised?

The only thing more up your alley would be "Beach Babes in High Dollar Sports Cars." :rofl:

[flvegan]

15. Does this exist?

Joby, you must tell me!

[jobycom]

16. You live in Florida.

Invent it!

[tigereye]

17. I get invites to all of these things that my friends used to never remember to

send invites for- great music, art shows, exhibits, benefits, oud concerts.. belly dancing shows. It's pretty cool! And you get to see pix of the kids, see pix of relative's vacations. It's all good.

[Odin2005]

18. I'm addicted to Farmville.