On Chicagosphere: Social-Justice Success & Christmas Cheer
(Graphic: Yes, Evil Squirrel, there is a Santa Claus…)
My ChicagoNow online-media byline, Chicagosphere, has been all good cheer this month. From the unexpected saving graces of a social-justice shoutout to a few local blogs and bloggers perfect for holiday browsing, there’s been a lot of festivity over on my Chicago Tribune-funded blog. For your enjoyment…
Yes, Chris Brogan, Social Media Can Save a Local Business
The star post of the season–in January, national social-media guru Chris Brogan asked whether Twitter and Facebook could save a troubled small business. Judging by the astounding recent success of Chicago’s Evil Squirrel Comics to stave off financial disaster with a heartfelt social-media appeal to customers, the answer is a resounding yes.
How to Find Chicago’s Christmas Light Displays
Want to drive around holiday-light-festooned local neighborhoods this season beyond old stalwarts like Sauganash? This website maps out almost 300 light displays across Chicago and Chicagoland for your convenience and enjoyment. How cool is that?
Christmas Without a Big Christmas Tree?
Local bloggers Mark Boyer and Dawn Reiss ask what makes for an acceptable Christmas tree. My answer in one word: giganticism.
Fun Times for Sale on Funsherpa: An Interview with Founder Anton Dy Buncia
A new site sells activity-based gifts for the holidays. I talk with the founder about why selling “experiences” helps uncover the new and interesting in Chicago.
Ugly Holiday Sweaters Make for a Warm Community Meetup
A wrap-up to this year’s Chicago blogger Christmas party–and what a joyous, friendly, and community-laden time we had together.
New Survey Says Social Media Good for Holiday Business
You don’t have to take Evil Squirrel’s word about the power of social-media to spur sales. The results of a new holiday consumer survey points to the same happy outcome from taking care of your social-justice business.
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Other posts you might like from Chicago Carless:
Last week, ChicagoNow pulled a controversial post from popular blogger "Joe the Cop" after a day of protest personally led by Time Out Chicago editor-in-chief Frank Sennett. Sennett called Joe a racist on Twitter in a day-long stream of 100 tweets. I think the real question is whether that makes Sennett an Internet bully.
Today, I walked out of Community Media Workshop's Communicamp open conference. It wasn't for lack of wanting to stay in my seat and spend the day with the cognescenti of the Windy City's media and blogging worlds. But how do you remain at an event where the rules of the road seem almost aimed at making someone with Attentio...
The greatest thing to happen to my personal blog this year was the inspiration I got from my hit-and-run ex to purchase a Flip Mino camcorder. The sub-$200, super-sub-compact wonder fits in my pocket with room to spare for my iPhone and takes an hour of digital video.
