This probably goes without saying, but please stop using the Spotted and/or YourHub cards after this weekend at events...we'll have new cards on the way. I will mail them out once they arrive.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The cards....
This probably goes without saying, but please stop using the Spotted and/or YourHub cards after this weekend at events...we'll have new cards on the way. I will mail them out once they arrive.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
MyBuffalo, the internship, and moving forward
The Big Change
As you should know, on Monday, June 8, Buffalo.com will eliminate Spotted and YourHub. We will be replacing those projects with MyBuffalo.com, a social network that will combine the most important functions of the Spotted and YourHub sites (photos, videos, blogs) with a dynamic social network.
You will be able to make more robust profiles, add friends, message users, use better video tools, upload audio tracks (any podcasters out there?), share content directly on Facebook, MySpace and 20 other popular social sites, and much more. It's a powerful tool and it will be a lot of fun to use - and will eventually stretch into every aspect of Buffalo.com.
What about my stuff?
All Spotted, YourHub, and Buffalo.com email users will automatically be given an account on MyBuffalo.com. Behind the scenes, we are currently in the process of transferring all of your Spotted and YourHub content over to the MyBuffalo.com site.
Keep an eye on your email, too - I will be emailing you your new MyBuffalo.com username and password in the near future. When I do so, I will put up a note on the intern blog.
But the bottom line is that your content will not be lost, and you will be able to access it with your own MyBuffalo account.
Is this going to look/feel just like Spotted and YourHub?
No. It will take some getting used-to. We are still hammering out gallery functionality on the photo section, for example. There is no "admin" section, like We Spotted, either. MyBuffalo.com encourages interactivity and connections between users - it's not as much of a "stop, stare, click" site like Spotted and YourHub.
Anyhow, we ask for your patience and open-mindedness as we introduce the new site.
How about the internship program - will that still exist?
Yes. However, we feel that it is time to make some changes.
In the past few months, Deanna and I have grown increasingly concerned with some of the problems we've seen at the site. We have seen an overall increase in apathy - fewer sign-ups, a decrease in the quality of galleries, and - quite frankly - a little bit of attitude directed towards us, our collaborators, and the venues at times.
As we bring in the new site, we are also bringing in new standards. Since we are starting a new project, we also want a fresh start to our internship program.
And how will you change the program?
Glad you asked.
1.) First of all, some of the old standards apply - 2 events a month, 60-40 on "smile for the camera" for photographers, 3 quotes per story for writers.
On the new side: A MAXIMUM of 60 photos per event. Photographers will be required to include a 100-200-word event summary in their blog after an event (written in your own voice; it doesn't have to be "newsy," but a brief summation of the event). Writers will be required to post 5 photos from their events.
2.) A 30-day limit on requesting events. A common complaint has been that the "big" events are claimed up too quickly. We will honor the current requests we have received, but beginning June 8, we will only accept event requests from activities coming in the next 30 days.
3.) The events list will be shorter. You are welcome to find events that are not on the list, but Deanna and I will be selecting the Top 20 events each week that we would recommend considering...no more massive, sprawling, esoteric events lists. I will miss writing them!
4.) "Interns" are now known as "contributors." Semantical, perhaps, but a change nonetheless.
5.) We reserve the right to remove contributors from the program for failing to meet any of the standards above.
6.) I also can not stress enough that a.) contributors must follow media instructions at events and b.) contributors are not to "book" their own events. We will immediately remove a contributor from the program for failure to comply with these particular guidelines.
7.) Term limits. As of the relaunch, all contributors will be 6-month terms. After 6 months, we will perform an joint evaluation with you, and as a group we will determine whether we all want to move forward.
Lot of rules, man!
Well, we are going to be doing more recruiting and we want everyone to be on the same page - the new contributors and veteran contributors will need to use the same playbook.
When we relaunch on Monday, I will send you a formal list of these guidelines. If you do not agree to the guidelines and would like to exit the program, please let me know.
And finally...
I don't want to come off like Johnny Rulebook. I am genuinely pleased with a lot of what I've seen at Spotted and YourHub. But I also think we have a real opportunity to revitalize the program and make MyBuffalo.com one of the biggest Web successes not only in Western new York, but in the entire nation. I'm serious - it could be that big.
I want you to be a part of a site we can all be proud of, and I hope you stay with us during this exciting time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me immediately.
As you should know, on Monday, June 8, Buffalo.com will eliminate Spotted and YourHub. We will be replacing those projects with MyBuffalo.com, a social network that will combine the most important functions of the Spotted and YourHub sites (photos, videos, blogs) with a dynamic social network.
You will be able to make more robust profiles, add friends, message users, use better video tools, upload audio tracks (any podcasters out there?), share content directly on Facebook, MySpace and 20 other popular social sites, and much more. It's a powerful tool and it will be a lot of fun to use - and will eventually stretch into every aspect of Buffalo.com.
What about my stuff?
All Spotted, YourHub, and Buffalo.com email users will automatically be given an account on MyBuffalo.com. Behind the scenes, we are currently in the process of transferring all of your Spotted and YourHub content over to the MyBuffalo.com site.
Keep an eye on your email, too - I will be emailing you your new MyBuffalo.com username and password in the near future. When I do so, I will put up a note on the intern blog.
But the bottom line is that your content will not be lost, and you will be able to access it with your own MyBuffalo account.
Is this going to look/feel just like Spotted and YourHub?
No. It will take some getting used-to. We are still hammering out gallery functionality on the photo section, for example. There is no "admin" section, like We Spotted, either. MyBuffalo.com encourages interactivity and connections between users - it's not as much of a "stop, stare, click" site like Spotted and YourHub.
Anyhow, we ask for your patience and open-mindedness as we introduce the new site.
How about the internship program - will that still exist?
Yes. However, we feel that it is time to make some changes.
In the past few months, Deanna and I have grown increasingly concerned with some of the problems we've seen at the site. We have seen an overall increase in apathy - fewer sign-ups, a decrease in the quality of galleries, and - quite frankly - a little bit of attitude directed towards us, our collaborators, and the venues at times.
As we bring in the new site, we are also bringing in new standards. Since we are starting a new project, we also want a fresh start to our internship program.
And how will you change the program?
Glad you asked.
1.) First of all, some of the old standards apply - 2 events a month, 60-40 on "smile for the camera" for photographers, 3 quotes per story for writers.
On the new side: A MAXIMUM of 60 photos per event. Photographers will be required to include a 100-200-word event summary in their blog after an event (written in your own voice; it doesn't have to be "newsy," but a brief summation of the event). Writers will be required to post 5 photos from their events.
2.) A 30-day limit on requesting events. A common complaint has been that the "big" events are claimed up too quickly. We will honor the current requests we have received, but beginning June 8, we will only accept event requests from activities coming in the next 30 days.
3.) The events list will be shorter. You are welcome to find events that are not on the list, but Deanna and I will be selecting the Top 20 events each week that we would recommend considering...no more massive, sprawling, esoteric events lists. I will miss writing them!
4.) "Interns" are now known as "contributors." Semantical, perhaps, but a change nonetheless.
5.) We reserve the right to remove contributors from the program for failing to meet any of the standards above.
6.) I also can not stress enough that a.) contributors must follow media instructions at events and b.) contributors are not to "book" their own events. We will immediately remove a contributor from the program for failure to comply with these particular guidelines.
7.) Term limits. As of the relaunch, all contributors will be 6-month terms. After 6 months, we will perform an joint evaluation with you, and as a group we will determine whether we all want to move forward.
Lot of rules, man!
Well, we are going to be doing more recruiting and we want everyone to be on the same page - the new contributors and veteran contributors will need to use the same playbook.
When we relaunch on Monday, I will send you a formal list of these guidelines. If you do not agree to the guidelines and would like to exit the program, please let me know.
And finally...
I don't want to come off like Johnny Rulebook. I am genuinely pleased with a lot of what I've seen at Spotted and YourHub. But I also think we have a real opportunity to revitalize the program and make MyBuffalo.com one of the biggest Web successes not only in Western new York, but in the entire nation. I'm serious - it could be that big.
I want you to be a part of a site we can all be proud of, and I hope you stay with us during this exciting time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me immediately.
The photo rules are not a joke
A reminder to all photographers:
When you are given instructions such as three songs, no flash - the promoter really, really means three songs, no flash.
If that rule gets broken - even if it is one single photo - and the wrong person sees you do it, then we are in a world of trouble.
Remember: your actions can potentially affect everyone in the program in a very positive way or a very negative way.
Thank you.
When you are given instructions such as three songs, no flash - the promoter really, really means three songs, no flash.
If that rule gets broken - even if it is one single photo - and the wrong person sees you do it, then we are in a world of trouble.
Remember: your actions can potentially affect everyone in the program in a very positive way or a very negative way.
Thank you.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Late but not lost: The Weekly Events List, 6-2 to 6-7
Buffalo.com photo by Marc Wierzbowski.
Tuesday
• Jack Astor’s 14th Annual Bartender Competition. Some of the area’s top drink jockeys battle for a trip to Las Vegas in this fun competition to benefit Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 7 PM, Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill, Walden Galleria Mall, Cheektowaga.
Wednesday
• Fourth Annual Buffalo Select Chorus Concert. The finest high school singes in Buffalo perform live for a full house at one of the most unique venues in the city. Local crooner Michael Civisca plays host for the evening, 7:30 PM, Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
Thursday
• 3rd Annual Sabres Alumni Fishing Derby. Check out the weigh-in and awards ceremony at beautiful Olcott Harbor. See some favorite from days of hockey past and how well they do with the rod and reel! 1 PM, Olcott Harbor, Olcott.
• Thursday at the Square: Disco Biscuits. The Disco Biscuits are a dynamic and popular live act with a cult following around the country – but hey, the best part of The Square is the people! Hang out with thousands of men and women from all corners of WNY looking for nothing more than a good time at one of the best weekly events of the summer. 6 PM, Lafayette Square, Buffalo.
• 2009 Corporate Challenge. One of the biggest races of the summer – thousands of Western New Yorkers gather in Delaware Park for a 5K run and a long night of partying. Ben and Deanna will be there running for The Buffalo News! I’ll be doing video, too. 6:45 PM, Delaware Park, Buffalo.
Friday
• Buffalo Greek Hellenic Festival. One of the favorite festivals of the year and a true gateway to summer – the “Greek Fest.” Lots of people, traditional dancing, music, and arts and crafts, and - of course – a party that never stops. 11 AM to midnight, Hellenic Orthodox Church, 146 West Utica St., Buffalo.
• Standard of Living CD Release Party. The up-and-coming punk-pop band from Amherst celebrates the release of its latest album with a special show in the city. 7 PM, Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo.
• The Bash 2009. Formerly known as “The MASH Bash,” this huge outdoor tent party to support the American Red Cross is truly one of the events of the summer season. Thousands of people, tons of food and drink, bands, dancing, and more make this a raucous good time in the heart of the city. 8 PM, American Red Cross Mansion, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
Saturday
• Buffalo Feis. Irish dancing, music, story-telling, and generally a lot of people who enjoy this sort of thing (and there are many, as this is part of an international competition). A fun event – but no videotaping is allowed and they are kind of strict about photographing the dancers. Otherwise, it’s an excellent day-long event. 7 AM (you don’t need to get there that early), competition begins at 8:30 AM, Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg.
• Buffalo Greek Hellenic Festival. One of the favorite festivals of the year and a true gateway to summer – the “Greek Fest.” Lots of people, traditional dancing, music, and arts and crafts, and - of course – a party that never stops. 11 AM to midnight, Hellenic Orthodox Church, 146 West Utica St., Buffalo.
• Lancaster-Depew Ponytails Coca-Cola Classic Softball Tournament. The 12U and 14U teams compete in a tournament that will draw ultra-competitive girls’ softball squads from throughout the region. 11 AM, Walden Pond Park, Lancaster.
• Crash-A-Rama…The Wildest Show on Wheels. School bus figure 8 racing, a mini-van demolition derby…all sorts of fun stuff. If you can get some video, too, so much the better. Gates open at 4 PM, racing starts at 6:30 PM. Holland Speedway, 2 N Main St., Holland.
• Traditional German-Irish Night. Two of Buffalo’s largest ethnic groups get together for a party that will certainly include lots of suds and even more fun. 6 PM, Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, Buffalo.
Sunday
• Pride Weekend GLBT Parade and Celebration. One of the most colorful, campy, and all-around interesting parades you’ll ever see – a staple of the annual Pride Weekend festivities and a fun event that will attract hundreds to one of the funkiest parts of Buffalo. Parade runs from Main and Dodge to Bidwell Park on Elmwood Avenue and is followed by a party. Line-up begins at 11 AM.
• Buffalo Greek Hellenic Festival. One of the favorite festivals of the year and a true gateway to summer – the “Greek Fest.” Lots of people, traditional dancing, music, and arts and crafts, and - of course – a party that never stops. Noon to 9 PM, Hellenic Orthodox Church, 146 West Utica St., Buffalo.
• Superjam 2009. A star-studded outdoor blues jam – too many for me to name, but rest assured, if they play blues in Western New York, they will be at this show. Or, if you don’t want to rest assured, do a Google search. But seriously, this is a monster show. 1 PM to 9 PM, Creekside Grove, William St. and Union Road, Cheektowaga.
• Irish Wake for Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The Aud is almost gone, but it’s certainly not forgotten – and there will be a lot of fun remembering some of those good old days at this fun, memorabilia-packed party. 5 PM, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Buffalo.
• Benefit Concert for Bobby Jones. Some of the biggest names in the Buffalo jazz scene – Bobby Militello, Doug Yeomans, even Bobby Jones - take the stage to support one of their own. 7 PM, The Tralf, 622 Main St., Buffalo.
Look at the time fly
Hey, I am working on about 6 projects today and the events list may be a little late...should have it done and out by tonight (although I hope to have it done earlier) and tomorrow morning at the absolute latest. So if you don't have it by this time tomorrow...please let me or Deanna know.
Who claimed what when?
Buffalo.com photo by Darleen Stry.
I like to promote my image as the omnipotent guru of all things Buffalo.com, but I have to sheepishly admit that I made a bit of a mistake recently...I (ahem) erased the "claimed events" list and replaced it with a slightly older copy. In my defense, my computer crashed and I was slightly confused by the "Recover" options in Word. Blame Microsoft!
Anyhow, I know that stuff is missing off the list...I am just not sure what.
Please check out the list below and let me know if there is anything missing for the month of June...
Thanks!
Marc Wierzbowski Tragically Hip June 2
Gabrielle Farah Kiss the Summer Hello June 3
Darleen Stry Olympia Dukakis June 3
Tom Kuenzi Kenny Chesney June 4
Darleen Stry Tragically Hip June 5
Darleen Stry Music of Queen (BPO) June 6
Marc Wierzbowski Tour de Cure June 6
Jeff Poole Bisons June 11
Darleen Stry/Matt Brown Biggest 80s Bash June 13
Jeff Poole Bisons June 18
Darleen Stry Taste of Country June 19
Tom Kuenzi No Doubt June 19
Darleen Stry Starry Night in the Garden June 24
Galina Tolmacheva Stiletto Run June 24
Tom Kuenzi Def Leppard June 26
Sean Rudyk Gus Macker June 27-28
Jeff Poole Bisons June 27
Erica Morano Ruben’s Run June 28
Darleen Stry Blue Rodeo June 30
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