Whilst in Belfast, I got to mix a little bit of talk about local business with pleasure by meeting up with the likes of Nico Fell, Alan in Belfast and Keith Belfast and chatting about the amazing potential for some great community websites and ‘hyperlocal’ activity in Belfast.
Black Box Cafe
After a lovely lunch with Alan in the Black Box Cafe (great coffee and good doorstep sandwiches, for the record) Alan did a short video interview with me about how this has worked in the UK, and the things I’ve been getting up to with Digbeth is Good, such as cashpoint opening ceremonies.
Of course, I couldn’t let Alan head back to work without turning the tables, so I did a short audioboo interview with him about where and how he felt hyperlocal websites might work in Northern Ireland.
‘There are a few local websites….but there’s nothing that really just kind of describes everyday life in a small area. And yet Northern Ireland is full of very small communities, very tight communities that have history and have people who have lived in this house for three or four generations and it would be a shame not to get some of that online and get a wee bit more community spirit going. And I think it’s a possibility.’
That possibility is due to be discussed in a special Hyperlocal Belfast slot at Barcamp Belfast tomorrow (Saturday 22nd May), so go along if you’re in the vicinity for what should be a thought-provoking day of unconference-style fun. I unfortunately can’t attend because I’ll be milking Bulgarian goats (or something) but my colleague Mike Rawlins has booked his ticket so, ashcloud permitting, will be there!
