As the community manager, I'm charged with facilitating the conversations and discussions on Lens on Atlanta. Since this is a community that is built by conversations that interest you, the topics are wide open. Since this is a community made up of differering organizations and individuals with differing interests the challege is finding topics that the general body of members are interested in.
That being said, I'm looking for ideas from you to help me with this process. Here are some ideas:
1. Atlanta Mayoral Race
2. Atlanta Water Issues
3. The economy/job rates
4. Education Issues
5. Arts/Culture
6. Green/Sustainability Issues
Please share you ideas, and let's get some conversations going.
Lens on Atlanta Community - We are approaching the soft launch of Lens on Atlanta, and we're making our final tweaks and changes to the site.
Here are some of the enhanced features that you can take advantage of:
GROUP ENHANCEMENTS
BLOG - The groups section now allows the group creator to write a blog. Only the group creator can write a blog, but other members can suggest topics.
MESSAGE BOARD: The group creator can add messages to the group through the message board. These messages can be timely updates of information for the members. Other members can suggest messages for the group.
RSS: The group creator can add an RSS feed. This feed can be content from an official website, or a blog.
Events: The group creator can create events for the group. This functionality is similar to events in the general events section.
Polls: You can create a poll specifically for a group and post it on the group page to get feedback from other members.
SITE ENHANCEMENTS:
RSS FEED - All blogs now have RSS feeds.
COMING SOON:
Lens Wiki
Lens Document Upload
Since the purpose of Lens on Atlanta is to create change in the community, I thought I'd share a little bit more about myself, and how I fit into the picture.
I believe that even in small ways, the things we do everyday can have a big impact on our community. That being said, I'm working to improve the community by being a good father and husband. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work so much, but I'm providing financial support to the best of my abilities. My son is eleven months now, and he's getting bigger and smarter by the day. My father always stressed the value of education, so I read to him, and teach him simple things. He knows how to throw a ball, he knows how to clap, and jump. I already know that he's on the right track.
On a wider scale, I volunteer with a nonprofit called Youth Connection. I mentor to a young man whose father is incarcerated. He loves baskedball and video games, and I believe I'm making a difference even if it's in a small way.
I also started volunteering with a nonprofit call the New Leaders Council. The organization provides training for young progressives who demonstrate strong leadership skills across the country. The NLC is in the process of launching an Institute in the Southeast, and we're building our Advisory Board, and recruiting Fellows for the 2010 Institute.
If I'm not busy enough with those responsibilities, I'm working to complete my graduate thesis this semester. Perhaps I'll share more about that at a later time.
I know you're doing positive things in the community as well. I'd like to know what you're up to.
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I just received the info below from a new Lens on Atlanta member. I went ahead and posted this info as an example of how you can share info with the community via a blog. I just created a new blog entry, and copy and pasted the info and the link.
November is Family Month in the State of Georgia and several cities and counties around the Atlanta area. To celebrate this, several churches, community groups, media, and gov groups are holding events as part of a "Week of the Family". You can check out several events, ideas, and links going on for the Week of the Family at:
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From MyUrbanReport
The March of Dimes does a great job of engaging the social media community in its fight against premature birth. I found out via Twitter that November is Preemie Awareness Month, and as in the past, my wife and I will continue to support the March of Dimes.
I first became actively aware of the organization when I reported for WTVT-TV (Fox 13, Tampa, FL). Each year the station partners with the March of Dimes, and anchor Kathy Fountain is one of the primary faces for the annual fundraiser. I was a weekend reporter at the time, and never had the chance to participate because I always worked during the event.
Little did I know that in 2006, my family would learn about premature birth first hand. On April 19, 2006 our firstborn sons Rico and Jordan Channel were born at 20 weeks. They came way too soon, and they were too small to have a chance. It’s something I wish no one else would have to experience.
This year on the twins’ birthday, we specifically raised money for the March of Dimes using social media. Atlanta Daybook also helped by publishing a press release, and I basically used Twitter and Facebook to raise money through my network. I need to check the exact figure, but I believe we raised $600-$800 dollars. It’s not bad, but I know we can do better. My goal is to raise $5000.00 this year.
Everything is a blessing. We recently celebrated the first birthday of our son Devin. Though he will never know his older brothers in the flesh, we will certainly teach him about them and why his family will always support the March of Dimes.
Please make a generous donation on behalf of the Channel Twins, and for all the other premature survivors.
If you’re on Twitter, please let me know when you donate. @urbanreporter or @visualeyemedia and use the #fight4preemies hashtag
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It's been an exciting time to work at PBA as it makes an effort to build stronger bonds in the community through the online space. This version of Public Square has shown potential as far as how people can use digital technology to connect around civic and community issues.
I'm happy to inform you that we're now in the process of re-launching Public Square, with a more user friendly, and easy to navigate system. The plan is to integrate Facebook Connect to make is easy to join, and it should be much easier to search for content, and find people.
In the upcoming weeks we're going to hold an open house to show off the new version of Public Square. We're also looking to re-engage people who are interested in serving as community ambassadors.
The site re-launch is scheduled for early July. We thank you for your patience, and for your continued interest in Public Square.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
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What exactly is LENS on Atlanta? How does it work? How will you benefit? These are questions that all of the community leaders, residents, activists, and organizations will who gather here will answer. This site has been built for you to learn, engage, and most importantly act.
I'm Amani Channel, and I currently serve as the Content Manager for LENS on Atlanta. I hope you will use this site to engage in meaningful conversations, that will facilitate positive community change. It may seem like a tall order, but I'm sure there are issues you are passionate about.
Building this community will be a work in progress, but we want this to be a destination for the people of Atlanta region to learn, engage, and most importantly act. If there's a cause you support, or want to get involved in making your street, neighborhood, or city a better place, you can. That process can start right here.
It begins with a thought, which can lead to conversation, and action. What do you want to focus on your action on? We're reaching out to friends, neighbors, community groups, grassroots organizations, nonprofits, local government, neighborhood associations, who did I miss? What would be your first task if you wanted to help change your community? Then let's get it done.
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by Amani Channel - LENS CONTENT MANAGER
One of my responsibilities as the LENS on Atlanta Content Manager is to learn the ins and outs of the site. I've spend the first few days on the job reading and learning about the overall mission of the community, and understanding the different partnerships.
LENS Director Jeannie Ericson has done a great job documenting the process of how the community will be developed, but I'll be the primary person responsible for developing the moderation strategy, writing the copy for the site, and working with our partners who'll be creating content.
What I like about LENS is that it is a community that will hopefully lead to action. People will be able to gather here to discuss issues that are important to their neighborhoods, counties, cities, and schools. Yes, there are other places online where people are socializing, but this site is primarilly focused on the greater Atlanta area, and that makes it unique.
If you're one of our partners working on your social media strategy, think about the reason why you should to participate. How will LENS add value to your organization's mission? Think about your audience, and information that can benefit them the most. Perhaps you will have staff members who will be blogging regularly. You can create a group on LENS, and then ask members of your organization to sign up to LENS, join the group, and then share information, and have group discussions that include the public. These are just some ideas. I don't have all the answers, but I believe that each individual, group, or organization should have a voice, and through LENS you'll be able to focus on what's important to you.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do to improve this community.
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You've created a Lens on Atlanta account, uploaded a photo, updated your profile, visited a few of the groups, but now what?
A social network is all about engaging in conversations and building relationships. How can it work here on Lens on Atlanta? Many of the members are active in their communities and are involved in community work through their employment or volunteer work.
Some of our strategic partners include the Atlanta Development Authority, BeltLine, and the Green Chamber of the South. Whether the issues are sustainability, transportation, or education, Lens on Atlanta was created to bring community planners, neighborhood groups, and leaders together.
How do you benefit from the network? It starts with one person at a time. If you see a member you'd like to connect with, send them a friendly e-mail. Ask a question. Invite them to be friends. Share some information about your hobbies, passions, and community work. Write interesting headlines, link to your official website, provide timely interesting information. Engage in conversations, and build relationships.
Social media is about collaboration, sharing, and building.
So what do you want to focus on?
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Greetings Lens on Atlanta Members,
Lens on Atlanta has 57 members! It's a mix of PBA employees, the site's designers, our partners, ambassadors, and other individuals whom we've invited to test Lens.
We've completed the training for the Lens institutional partners, and ambassadors. Many of you have set up a profile or group; have added photos, and information about your organization or interests.
You can learn more about your fellow Lens members by visiting their profiles, the forums, or reading the blogs. You'll notice however, that a group of you still haven't added a photo yet. Please do so at your earliest convenience. Since we're a small group, this is a great opportunity for us to start building relationships, and a photo will help us associate a face with a name.
Remember to use the admin/admin login/password at the "Sandbox" page, and your designated username/password once you get to the home page.
Please update your profile. We've added some enhancements to the profile page that includes your first and last name which will be displayed on your profile. You are also required to add a brief description of yourself that will be displayed as well.
We are continuing to fine tune the site. The platform is being upgraded next Wednesday. The upgrade won't bring many visible changes, but the functional enhancements should be in place by July 10. We are working to enhance the groups section, and make other changes to increase the functionality.
We'd like it if you could make visiting Lens a part of your weekly or daily routine. Your participation in the site will help us create a thriving community, where people can learn, interact, and become more engaged with each other. I'm impressed by many of the blogs that have been created, the activities that you all are involved in, and the work that you do.
If there's a community event that you'd like to share, write a short blog post about it, or create an event. If you visit your favorite park, take some pictures and upload them. If your community is trying to work with its city or county government for change, share what you're learning from the process.
I want to keep this short, but I again want to thank you for all that you're doing to help us focus on our community through Lens on Atlanta.
Cheers!
Amani Channel
Lens on Atlanta Content Manager
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The Lens on Atlanta software platform has been upgraded, and you should see some subtle improvements with the community. The RSS feeds on the home page are now working, and a bug in the sub navigation tabs has been corrected.
We are also working to correct errors that we're continuing to find. If you notice, or see any please use the feedback tab to report an issues with the site.
By mid July you should see enhancements to the Groups which will include photo, video, and blog functionality. Thanks for your patience, and if you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout.
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So I've been thinking. Since Lens on Atlanta is all about affecting change in the community, I've been trying to conceptualize a way that this virtual community, can start working to do so.
One idea I've been tossing around is organizing a community day. I'm not sure what this event would actually be, but it would be an opportunity for PBA employees, Lens on Atlanta community members, and anyone else to come together for a day of community service.
I've been involved with other organizations that have done neighborhood clean ups, and helped clean up the homes of residents who were unable to do so themselves.
It's always a good feeling when you go out of your way to help someone who deserves it, and I think that something like this would be a great way to put our actions where our mouth is. Plus a little good will can go a long way.
So what do you think? Any ideas or suggestions? I wouldn't mind some kind of environmental, or neighborhood clean up. We just need to identify what the action is, and who will show up to help.
Share your ideas and thoughts.
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Last night about forty or so Lens on Atlanta Beta testers, PBA employees, and community members gathered at Apres Diem to celebrate how far we've come with the site.
I was one of the first to get to the venue, along with members of the Green Chamber of the South, and Lens on Atlanta Director Jeannie Ericson. I was pleased to watch the crowd quickly grow, and everyone seemed to have a good time. PBA's President Milton Clipper was there and did a great job of working the room. One of the topics of the night was, how do we grow Lens on Atlanta and help community members get the most value out of the site?
We all agreed that usability is important, and people need to be able to quickly grasp the concept and how they can benefit from the tools here. Internally the Lens on Atlanta staff has decided to take a proactive approach. We're all creating content, whether it be taking photos, blogging, or creating groups that focus on a specific topic or action.
We understand that there is a learning curve for some of our users, and some people just don't know what to talk about. I believe that if we focus on community related convesations, and mixing real life community actions with online activities there will be positive results.
Thanks to all of the people who came out and supported us. If you attended, what did you think of the event?
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This is a test of a new feature on the Lens on Atlanta blogs section.
You can now share your favorite videos from sites like YouTube on the community and it's real easy (this works for photos too).
When you create a blog, you'll notice a new box that allows you to, "Embed your Video Link." That enables you to copy and paste what's called an embed code. You'll find this code on most internet video and photo sharing sites.
After you find a video, or photo that you'd like to share on your blog, copy and paste this code into the designated box.
Then you can write your copy in regular text edit section, then you can add your new blog to the site.
This is the first time I've tested the feature so I'm curious to see how it displays.
If you have any questions, give me shout.
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Lens on Atlanta is a social network, a community where you can engage in conversations, meet people virtually, and nurture relationships. Much is possible when we collaborate with others who share common goals and interests.
Some people understand the power of social networks, for others it's a new space, and can seem overwhelming. I want to take this moment to share some information about how you can create, and engage in beneficial conversations here on Lens on Atlanta.
1. Introduce yourself to new members: Send a quick greeting and say "hello." This is a new home, and we want all of our residents and visitors to feel welcome.
2. Share information: It can be hard sometimes to figure your strategy in a new community, but Lens on Atlanta gives you the opportunity to inform the public about the great things you're doing to improve the community. There are events, and activities going on all the time. If you happen to be at an event and take some photos, upload them. If you have some great thoughts, write them down. You never know who you're going to reach if you simply participate.
3. Tag your content: This should be number one. Everytime you add content, you'll be asked to give it tags. Tags help search engines find what you've posted, so it's always good to write a few tags. When a visitor is either on Lens on Atlanta searching for content, or using a search engine like Google, they might be led to your information by your tags.
4. Come back frequently: Try to make visiting Lens on Atlanta a part of your weekly routine. Try to set aside some time in your day to write a blog. Think about how you can use Lens on Atlanta to share information about your event. If you're on Twitter, send out a tweet to your network, or you can use the share button at the top of the page to send your content to your favorite network.
These are just a few suggestions, I've thought of, if you have any additional thoughts, please share them!
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You may be wondering why does the Internet need another social network? What makes Lens on Atlanta different? How can I benefit?
Though Lens on Atlanta is a social networking community, but it is more than that. Lens on Atlanta was designed to give you a voice and a way to communicate with like minded individuals who share your passions and interests to create change in the community.
If you browse some of the profiles, you'll see that many of the members are invovled in community intiatives, nonprofits, or civic groups. It only takes a moment to connect with someone, and Lens on Atlanta is building a community of like minded individuals who are passionate about creating change in metro Atlanta.
Here are some ways you can connect with others in this community:
- Visit a profile, and send an email
- Befriend a member
- Write a blog (comment on a blog)
- Ask a question in the Forums section
It doesn't take much time, and Lens on Atlanta makes it easy to connect with like minded individuals.
Give it a try.
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Spam can be community killer. Unsolicited messages to community members is annoying at best, and can destroy the community's trust in the site at worst.
Certain safeguards on Lens on Atlanta like captcha codes can minimize the activity of spammers, but they can be a tricky bunch and often will go out of their way to blast out their messasges.
At anytime feel free to report any abuse from your fellow members on Lens on Atlanta. We are diligently working to prevent any spam attacks, and are trying to secure any loopholes that spammers may use to share their unsavory messages with you.
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