On Tuesday night, I attended my first Sacramento Social Media Club event, a panel about Food Blogging. Um, yes, I realize that I’m not a food blogger. Still, since I’m basically a full-on social media geek, and I’m also actively seeking new ways to connect with my community here in Sacramento when it comes to social media, I went.
The event was held at the Urban Hive, a cool space with a lot of art. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people — had NO IDEA that there were so many people passionate about social media in Sacramento. After sampling some delicious cookies from a local restaurant, Grange, I headed into the panel with my new friend, Wendy.
The speakers were diverse, and included two girls from a local PR firm, the head of Slow Food Sacramento, the pastry chef from Grange and Garrett McCord, one of the first bloggers I read regularly.
Many of the takeaways were food-specific, but the discussion on blogging was fantastic. Solid blogging advice, such as making your site timely, informative and entertaining was emphasized. The impact of Yelp and other online sources of reviews was heavily discussed and as reviewers, we were reminded to be thoughtful about what we say — it’s really true that our words as bloggers and people who interact digitally can absolutely affect others livelihoods and lives. There was also a major push for Four Square, which I STILL cannot get behind due to my incredible levels of paranoia, but I can see how as a restaurant or business, it’d be valuable.
While I won’t be starting a food blog any time soon, despite my love for all things food-related, I was really excited to see the local community come together around social media. The more I learn about it, the more excited I am to be part of what’s happening on the Internet. To see these things happening in the city I love is absolutely thrilling.
Does your city have a Social Media Organization? Do you go to the meetings? Why or why not?
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I don’t have a social media organization…I mean, there are plenty in LA but I have to admit I’m lazy and scared lol.
Good for you!
So Coachella?!
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By Liz on 03.18.10 10:49 am | Permalink
I’m quite certain Chicago has a number of social media organizations. I think I was on the listserv for one at one point, but it was so focused on making money from your blog, that I unsubscribed because that isn’t what I’m all about.
I won’t ever get behind Four Square, either … but, it’s not due to some paranoia about people knowing where I am. Just like I won’t join Twitter … I have issue with following friends on such a micro level. In all honesty, I hope my friends are well, but do not want or need to follow them every step of the way.
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By Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks on 03.18.10 11:49 am | Permalink
I always want to attend blogging events
you’re so lucky there are lots of good ones where you live 
It’s always nice to connect and get some tips. I can use lots of blogging tips.
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By andhari on 03.18.10 1:17 pm | Permalink
I have no idea if we have an organization or not but I’d assume we do… maybe I will check it out. Sounds intriguing!
I won’t be jumping on the formspring/flavors.me or foursquare bandwagon anytime soon but i can see why others do! If I were more of a freelancer or something it’d probably make more sense for me.
Right now I’m just focusing on my blog/writing/reading and etc.
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By Nora on 03.18.10 2:10 pm | Permalink
How fun! (I love Vanilla Garlic — the website, not the combo. ralph!)
That sounds like a blast — take me with you!!!!! I’m too lazy (read: scared, socially) to go to something like that alone. I’m awful at small talk even after working in coffee shops for 7 years. How was The Urban Hive — I’m thinking about doing their 4 day membership — I’m awful at working from home.
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By Holly on 03.18.10 2:27 pm | Permalink
Oh fun! I’ve been involved in the Vancouver social media scene for a few years now on & off… I’m in an “off” cycle right now where I just can’t be bothered, but I’m sure the desire will come back soon. But I certainly have met some cool people through it, in fact I’m having coffee with one of my blog friends tomorrow.
I can’t stand the idea of Foursquare either and I don’t think it’s paranoid to not want to use it. You’re announcing to the world where you are at any given moment. For starters… who freaking cares that I just became the Mayor of the gas station? I tend to unfollow the people who tweet about it too often because it gets on my nerves. Secondly, you’re sure making it easy for anyone to find you if you announce your exact location to strangers all the time, and that freaks me out a little. And thirdly, if the whole Internet knows that you’re at work, then they also know where you’re not. Hi thieves! Please rob me! I won’t be home for several hours. Twitter is bad enough, I don’t need to make it any MORE obvious do I?
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By A Little Coffee on 03.18.10 4:13 pm | Permalink
I don’t think anywhere apart from London has a social media organisation, and even then I’m not so sure. It’s just not very big over here – people tend to get on with things by themselves rather than joining groups
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By Lizzie on 03.18.10 4:51 pm | Permalink
That sounds really cool! My city does not have that (that I know of). Maybe I should start one, haha!
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By Amber from Girl with the Red Hair on 03.18.10 7:38 pm | Permalink
I would really love to get into a social media club or group. I’m actually planning to take a course on it during my last semester of college. But there aren’t any around where I live. There may be some in Tampa so it’s definitely worth checking out! I’m really interested in social media and all it entails. Thanks for the tip!
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By Stephany on 03.19.10 10:45 am | Permalink
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