Suggestion for after neighborhoodwalk

[Cara]

I would say that neighborhoodwalk was successful enough. We had a good crowd, and I'd like to see someone compile the entire list in one entry. Does rust belt bloggers have its own blog?

But we need to keep whatever momentum we have and add to it.

One thing I love about Pittsburgh is the public art, especially the murals. I know that Philly also has a boatload of murals. Do other cities like Youngstown? Do they have other cool public art? Can we have December 11 be "public art in your neighborhood" day where you highlight a piece of public art and tell us why it strikes you or why you like it?

What's crazy is I seek out murals around the city, and I just found a few new ones by looking on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pittsburgh+mural

Any other ideas for the next rust belt day?

[Jim Russell]

We do have our own blog here. I hadn't featured it, but I just changed that.

As for our next event ... how about interiors?

[Mark Rauterkus]

Good idea. No, GREAT idea about the assignment for public art on Dec 11.

But, I think we should stress that the Neighborhoodwalk does not end. It is at the top a to-do list that we grow. Then folks can take a crash course in Rustbelt whatever and understand the various assignments. First, post a Neighborhoodwalk. Second, post about some public art. And so on.

Then, in a year or in five years, we'll have a course established -- mapped out -- for others to follow the old folks trailblazers that we are.

Then it could be a monthly exercise -- building a suite of community centered postings. And, we'd be building a cirruculum that others might deploy later or elsewhere.

All in all -- I think it is important to make ventures that a repeatable, long-lasting, -- and not just ONE SHOT giggles.

And, you are right -- we've got to keep the door open so that we can get better "buy in" with more participation from various bloggers. Perhaps if you put a 'democratic spin' to it -- or else a 'peer review' spin to it -- injecting some competition, it would generate more passion, more heat, more emotions, more prestige, more props, more homework, more review, more press. But, the weight of that extra burden might be too much for this seed of an idea.

For example, if there were 50 or 60 or 70 folks who did a neighborhoodwalk -- it would be nie to have a top-20 ranking. Then those that are busy could just hit the 'best-of' list. Sure feelings would get hurt. But, there is always next month.

[Mark Rauterkus]

Rustbelt - public art - keep hammering away!

I'll second the idea for a Dec 11 first launch date.

[Chad Warren]

I think that would be an awesome idea! I had some camera issues and couldn't participate in the 11/11 neighborhood walk, but I just wanted to say I like the mural/sculpture idea. Can we get some official decision on what to do?

[Teri]

Tons of ideas- this could go in so many directions. I'm particularly interested in 'best of' or 'favorite' experiences.

Best cultural venues
Favorite independent restaurants or shops
Favorite public parks or gardens
Nightlife- clubs
In the spring and summer- festivals.

I mean, this could go on and on...and on.

I love this entire idea and hope it gains momentum.

[john morris]

I also like the public art idea--- I do however think we need to give people longer heads up on these events--- set up a schedule of monthly events that goes out say 4-5 months and then post it so people can plan out doing posts and which ones they want to focus on. Sorry that I have not cheched up in a while.

One of my ideas is a bit more depressing/serious which is to have people each do a post contemplating the economic situation; it's impact on their area and ideas to deal with it and post them on the same day.

Just want to repeat-- the public art post idea is great!

[Justin Kownacki]

So where are we on this? Is anything happening on 12/11?

Something tells me we need to take turns in taking charge of these psuedo-monthly initiatives. Since this is an entirely volunteer group, it's easy for everyone to presume that someone else will take charge of the whole thing... but none of us officially have the time (that I know of).

However, I think each of us is capable of being the "point person" for one month's event. And if a few people start to realize that they're really good at organizing / promoting these, maybe they can become the Action Team for these regular promo events. No sense in re-inventing the wheel every month.

Thoughts?

[Teri]

Excellent. And I don't mind being part of an organizational team.

[Jim Russell]

Cara picked up the ball for December:

http://rustbelt.ning.com/profiles/blogs/neighborhoodwalk-wrapup

[Cara]

Well, I intended to pick up the ball, but I'm not sure it was successful.

Any ideas for publicizing this better now that we're only a week away?

[Jim Russell]

I broadcast the link to the RBB network. Posting something at OMGPittsburgh would be a good idea.