yep. again.

“I do think our fans are pretty special. They do react to things like that. It’s part of what makes Fenway so great.  We don’t need to have President races or mustard racing ketchup. Our fans like our baseball. I actually really think that’s cool. Nothing against mustard.”

-Terry Francona

(Source: Boston.com)

• Submitted proposal to client for $300-375 for implementing form system on existing website.
• Set up a meeting for Friday, July 29th at 2pm with Marco & Meredith.
• Coordinated 75 products getting added to HotDrop webshop work done by staff, 4.5 hours at $14/hour = $63. Well worth it. Would have cost me 4x that in hours spent if I did it by self.
• Worked on determining exact functionality for HotDrop’s product color changing and zoom functionality by continuing detailed email conversation with Magento specialist who has lots of experience doing this, and asking Meredith for some of her thoughts.
• Committed to wrapping up Plugin installation and configuration work for Boston Local Food Festival by tomorrow afternoon.
• Invoiced Mara for $20 in PayPal charges.
• RSVP’d for SLF Union Square Chapter Meeting July 27th at 11am.
• Proposed $250 gig to former/current client for some form work.
• Reviewed SBLP Social Media strategy docs for my own reference/future.
• Posted a glowing review of a Magento Extension Developer who has been very helpful to the Magento Community with both his extension and followup support.
• Did some quick updates on Tango Restaurant website and followed up with them regarding a new photo for the front of the site.
• Put together a quick preview page for Gallery Seven for their upcoming Exhibit.
• Confirmed a meeting with Mimi for Friday, July 29th at 9:30am to discuss working on her husband’s website, transitioning to WordPress.
• Wrapped up initial development of metamindinstitute.com/build and shared with Josh who was pumped.
• Submitted Hosting Invoice for client’s website for $110.
• Emailed 12 of my clients and friends inquiring if they would consider placing a small ad in the OpenAir Circus’s final event program.
• Submitted rough proposal/price range to Iliana regarding an ecommerce project. Quote is from $750122 (level 1) to $14002100 (level 2), with a 3rd, simpler option on the table for discussion if necessary.
• Created email account for Worcester SBLP Member.
• Creating scrolling banner function for SBN website that slides through as many banners are in the system, showcasing and linking to their sponsors.
• Backed up entire site/databases then upgraded Featured Products Magento Extension on Uncle P’s website, finally coming through on a months-old request.

A while ago I had read that GOOD  ^{*[note below]}  was releasing a localized version of its website, starting with LA, but hadn’t thought of it since. 

As I recently “Liked” GOOD on Facebook, I have been reading a lot more of their content, which truly has been good for me. GOOD features well-written articles about topics I care about deeply and I am committed to following these things more closely.

Today after reading an article on their website, I wound up on the GOODLA front page. 

Wow!

I Love what they have to say up top (emphasis mine):

Let’s make this city work. Join us and look forward to:

• One-good-L.A.-thing-a-day in your inbox, Monday through Friday
• Invites to GOOD LA events and the goings-on of our L.A. friends
• GOOD-only deals at our favorite L.A. joints
• First word on new GOOD projects

All free. All GOOD.

That’s what’s up! 

After taking a quick look over the front page and noticing that the Posts averaged probably 35 comments or more, my thoughts were: folks in LA are clearly taking advantage of this.  With Posts about topics like the role of the neighborhood, tackling environmental causes with creativity, & Los Angeles street food, it seems like a powerful way to spread the word about important issues, highlight interesting events, and really take the pulse of people in the city.

Now, obviously LA is one vast & populous city (almost 10 million large), and lil’ ol’ Somerville, while yes, densely populated, only weighs in at about 75-80,000 folks, so the possible user-base here is minimal compared to LA.  Also True: a daily publication with the breadth and scope of GOOD LA must take a serious time investment by a talented staff.

But I am thinking big on this, and mostly because it sure seems like an effective way to spread important messages and engage in important discussions, and Somerville has plenty to bring to the table on both fronts.

Not that Somerville Local First isn’t already on the right path with their grittyish/shinyish/cityish/newish/oldish website (which includes a very active Blog) and their heavy Facebook activity & Tweets.  But things can certainly evolve and, well, I believe this is me saying they will.

May this post serve as the first step towards improving the way SLF does what it does. 

More details to follow.

——-

*Now is probably a good time to mention that Truly Good is in no way affiliated with GOOD INC, and the similar name is purely a coincidence in good taste.  At the time I decided to call my little web design company Truly Good, while GOOD was on the magazine stands, it served no conscious roll in my idea/decision. I promise.