activefreemedia

Transparency Archives

The integrity of our economy and democracy only exists if citizens and investors have perfect information. That day will come when all of us -- corporations, politicians, consumers, and private citizens -- are transparent about our costs and impact.

January 19, 2009

48 hours + 172 Names + 1,192 votes = Next Steps

Thank you to all of those who participated in the 48 hour Namethis.com session to name a new crowdfunding social marketing venture.

With 172 names suggested and 1,192 votes cast over the 48 hour session, it was an amazing experience that put vastly more energy towards launching this venture than I could have ever put in alone.

When I first received word about the three winners, I was a little shocked (Loud Sauce and seedjar seemed completely random). But after writing some draft proposals using the name LoudSauce, and hearing back from some of you in my larger community, I am starting to seriously consider it.

Not only is it a great first story to begin a venture rooted in trust in the participation of the crowd (and a name submitted by one of my current Nokia clients), but it may be a name that designers may find interesting potential in exploring a brand identity (more on that in later emails). Let me know if you feel strongly that it works or doesn't work.

Lastly, please join me online for feedback and discussion, as I will continue posting refined versions of the vision and plan for the venture: for starters at the Global Social Benefit Incubator and the Changemakers.net Power of Us Competition.

I hope you will continue to spread the word and share your thoughts via email or the comments below. Enjoy this amazing week for the world honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the new leadership in the United States.

Posted by Colin | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 12, 2009

Where does our garbage go? - Letter to London City Council

For a potential project I am exploring, I searched online to try to find out where the garbage that I throw out in city garbage/rubbish bins goes.  The best information I could find was article in the Guardian called "Following the rubbish trail," but it was from 2004.  I wrote an email to the author Leo Hickman, but so far, no response (I'm sure he busy on new articles).

So I asked my housemate, a proper Londoner where she would look, and she pointed me to the city councils.  After a quick google search, I found the newly organized London Waste & Recycling Board, and sent the following letter to the contact person listed.  I'll let you know how it goes.

--
Hi,



Thanks for the work you do for the city of London.  I used to live in
New York City, and London is definitely a much cleaner city.  As
someone interested in environmental issues, I have become interested in
finding out more about the impact (positive and negative) that I make
with my daily life and choices.



One specific piece of information I haven't been able to find online is
where the rubbish is taken that I put into the public bins around the
city.  Do you know where I would be able to find out?  While I'm
intersted to know where it all goes, the buroughs I am more interested
in are my home burough of Hackney, as well as Islington, Camden and
City of London. 


Any information or contact information for the right person to contact would be very much appreciated. 



Cheers,

Colin

Posted by Colin | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 13, 2008

Social Marketing Examples on Mashable

Mashable has an interesting summary of social media marketing examples. I find it helpful for talking about some of the kinds of marketing that is worthwhile in the digital marketing space beyond traditional banner advertising (which is annoying).

Posted by Colin | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 12, 2008

Reality Art meets Google Street View in Pittsburgh

Via Adverblog, check this interesting approach to bring a long street in Pittsburgh to life through Google Maps Street View.

Posted by Colin | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 28, 2008

Fun Flash Eco-Footprint Calculator

As mentioned previously, I think the most important tool that still needs to be created is an implicit carbon footprint calculator (so the data is based on reality, and users don't have to make up numbers submitted into a form).  However, in the meantime, the flash video footprint calculator from Earthday.net is one of the more fun I've seen. 

Posted by Colin | Permalink | Comments (0)