There is some wonderful hyperlocal stuff going on in the UK. People are up to all sorts of things on the web – from working out what bands are on, when the quiz night is down the pub, rounding up local news, to fighting campaigns on planning decisions, to city-wide discussions or telling people about the jumble sale at the school, or even tackling local corruption and bad governance. The net result is empowered, effective people and local communities that define their place online, know what is going on and have a powerful voice.
Lots of people are coming on board to help out – from folk getting on with it themselves to new start ups, bits of government to big newspaper groups. There are all sorts of approaches – from people out to make a million, to people purely committed to public service, to people doing clever tech things, to people trying to find the future for their media company.
The three of us are involved in very different hyperlocal projects. We are committed to a wonderful diverse hyperlocal future for the UK. We want to make sure the energy created as people jostle for position is positive and collaborative, coming together to meet all our aims and more importantly support the a digital future for all.
So where are we going with this? Well we want to know if hyperlocal people in the UK are up for some sort of ‘UK Hyperlocal Alliance’ (working title) dedicated to a positive future for hyperlocal content in the UK. This isn’t an attempt to form a trade body or a union or a lobby group, just a simple web resource where we can sign up to a simple statement of intent, get in touch with each other and tell our stories.
Let us know by commenting on this post – if we get say 20 people who will go with it, then we shall listen and take things forward. We shall try to keep things free and simple. Look forward to hearing from you.
William Perrin – Talk About Local
Dominic Campbell – FutureGov
Kalvir Sandhu – Hophive
William Perrin
clarewhite
Mike Rawlins
Nicky Getgood
Always happy to help!
By: Dave Briggs on May 15, 2009
at 4:13 pm
You know I’ll be in.
By: Nick Booth on May 15, 2009
at 4:20 pm
PledgeBank!
By: Tom Steinberg on May 15, 2009
at 4:30 pm
Count me in.
By: James Hatts on May 15, 2009
at 4:31 pm
Oh yes, I’m in!
By: darenbbc on May 15, 2009
at 4:38 pm
I’d like to help – maybe get some of the Open Street Map ppl involved too.
By: Paul Youlten on May 15, 2009
at 4:57 pm
Definitely … now is the right time. Reawakens memories of UK Communities Online network in the late 90s. I’ll see if some of the old crew are around to lend support and maybe lessons learned.
“This isn’t an attempt to form a trade body or a union or a lobby group, just a simple web resource where we can sign up to a simple statement of intent, get in touch with each other and tell our stories.”
“We shall try to keep things free and simple. ”
Agree with keep it simple…. but there will be pressure to organise, incorporate, take funding, share out jobs. Tuttle is organising consultancy … Colalife is planning to incoporate.
Ooops, you just wanted yes. YES!
By: David Wilcox on May 15, 2009
at 5:17 pm
Count me in too!
By: Phil Sorrell on May 15, 2009
at 5:29 pm
Happy to help if I can.
By: Anthony Zacharzewski on May 15, 2009
at 5:50 pm
Big fat yes🙂
By: Nathalie McDermott on May 15, 2009
at 5:52 pm
Hyper-Local Alliance – or the Very Independent Publishers Club – it’s all the same to me…
I’m game.
By: RickWaghorn on May 15, 2009
at 6:20 pm
The simple and short answer is – yes, I’d love to be involved in this growing and exciting phase in the use of the internet.
By: Sean Brady on May 15, 2009
at 6:32 pm
speaking on behalf of the Transition web project, yes. We are putting quite some time and energy into a sharing engine for pure p2p distribution and re-distribution of stuff in a solidly de-centralised manner. Would be happy to help, and keen to hear more about what you’re up to.
By: edmittance on May 15, 2009
at 7:19 pm
Yes we can! (Sorry.) I am behind this and am happy to do whatever I can to support an alliance. I don’t really like the word “hyperlocal” though – can’t we just reclaim the word “local” back from local authorities?
By: Helen Milner on May 15, 2009
at 7:35 pm
yes definitely
By: scipmark on May 15, 2009
at 7:45 pm
I’ve been involved in setting up and using (hyper) local Usenet groups and mailing lists for about 14 years. I’m in.
By: Andy Mabbett on May 15, 2009
at 7:46 pm
oh and I’m working with the people at People’s Voice Media/Community Reporters – will def see what they say http://peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk/community-reporters-program
By: scipmark on May 15, 2009
at 7:47 pm
Well I am a Hyperlocal evangelist too. I run TowcesterNews for two years, sell the advertising, get the content, take the pictures and above all engage. It is great, the site is now getting between 5500 and 6500 visitors a week.
I effectively run it as a daily local newspaper and I am a big fan of Twitter. http://www.twitter.com/towcesternews – count me in
By: James Rudd on May 15, 2009
at 7:47 pm
Yes would love to be involved🙂
By: Lores on May 15, 2009
at 8:02 pm
Yes, please count me in, very important in both my work and personal activities
By: Martin on May 15, 2009
at 8:08 pm
Count me in at Harringay Online
By: Hugh Flouch on May 16, 2009
at 5:52 am
Absolutely agree and is something I’ve been advocating. You can count me in.
By: Lilian Barton on May 16, 2009
at 7:39 am
Interested here
By: Stuart Parker on May 16, 2009
at 9:09 am
Absolutely yes.
By: paulclarke on May 16, 2009
at 9:26 am
Always happy to help out – make a real go of this!
By: Matt Waring on May 16, 2009
at 12:29 pm
[…] Join us in a UK hyperlocal alliance… « Talk About Local (alpha) "The three of us are involved in very different hyperlocal projects. We are committed a wonderful diverse hyperlocal future for the UK. We want to make sure the energy created as people jostle for position is positive and collaborative, coming together to meet all our aims and more importantly support the a digital future for all." […]
By: FutureGov » Useful links » links for 2009-05-16 on May 16, 2009
at 1:01 pm
definitely interested in being involved
By: Elaine kramer on May 16, 2009
at 5:10 pm
[…] RT @MrRickWaghorn @DaylightGambler: @TowcesterNews seen this ultralocalvoice.wordpress.com/2009/05/15/alliance/ […]
By: Today’s Tweats on Twitter from Towcester News « Towcesternews’s Blog on May 16, 2009
at 5:13 pm
Count me in too – and I must tell Eileen Conn in Peckham about this (she just got an MBE, or was it an OBE, for her grassroots hyper-local efforts!).
I’d already been talking with her about exactly this kind of project…
Cheers,
Matthew
By: Matthew Kalman on May 17, 2009
at 10:23 am
Apologies for the late comment with this. Count me in. With bells on.🙂
By: Nicky Getgood on May 17, 2009
at 4:25 pm
[…] Join us in a UK hyperlocal alliance… « Talk About Local – Will Perrin wants to know if there’s sufficient support for this: …we want to know if hyperlocal people in the UK are up for some sort of ‘UK Hyperlocal Alliance’ (working title) dedicated to a positive future for hyperlocal content in the UK. This isn’t an attempt to form a trade body or a union or a lobby group, just a simple web resource where we can sign up to a simple statement of intent, get in touch with each other and tell our stories. […]
By: Join us in a UK hyperlocal alliance… « Talk About Local — Getgood Guide on May 17, 2009
at 5:04 pm
Really interested in this. I’d like to think that should there be a need for lobbying or joint action amongst local bloggers then this group could be a route to making this happen. May the ‘Power of Birmingham’ be with you!
Dave
By: Dave Harte on May 17, 2009
at 6:10 pm
Yes, definitely want to be involved!
By: John Popham on May 17, 2009
at 7:20 pm
(Catching up) I’m in. Best to go into these things mob-handed I feel.😉
By: Pete Ashton on May 17, 2009
at 7:48 pm
[…] Dom and Kalv are starting something that has the potential to become really rather cool. So where are we going with this? Well we want […]
By: Hyperlocal alliance | DavePress on May 17, 2009
at 8:21 pm
Just starting, but we’ll get there. So interested in this. Paul
By: Paul Johnston on May 17, 2009
at 8:35 pm
Great idea and I’d love to be involved.
By: Danny Bull on May 17, 2009
at 8:41 pm
Interested to know more…
By: Steph Gray on May 17, 2009
at 9:34 pm
Very keen to get involved – our Work at Community Links around digital engagement is at a fairly early stage – but we are an organisation with many community projects which could connect. My own background in running a community press connected to a national network of publishers (The Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers) could also contribute to establishing a national alliance. Thanks for the Invitation!
By: Richard McKeever on May 18, 2009
at 9:13 am
This was kindof what I was driving at in this post http://digitalengagement.org/2009/04/21/local-hubs-for-local-people/
Not that well apparently as some points seemed misunderstood.
So, yes, count me in.
By: paul canning on May 18, 2009
at 12:58 pm
[…] project to train and support local activists setting up websites is inviting people to join in a UK hyperlocal alliance. It is being led by Will Perrin, Dominic Campbell and Kalvir Sandhu. Earlier news […]
By: Socialreporter | UK Hyperlocal Alliance launched on May 19, 2009
at 11:05 am
Definitely. Yes. Just setting up my first hyperlocal site now.
By: Hannah Waldram on May 19, 2009
at 11:12 am
Yes, sounds good.
By: Jon Bounds on May 19, 2009
at 2:29 pm
Me too!
By: Clare on May 19, 2009
at 2:32 pm
We’re in (speaking for Patient Opinion)!
We got some mashable content now – RSS/Atom feeds for your local health services – and plan to add something a bit more geographic to the site for your hyperlocal use.
By: James Munro on May 20, 2009
at 3:30 pm
Yes, I’d like to hear more!
By: John Cronin on May 20, 2009
at 4:44 pm
Sound’s interesting, put me down as a definite “yes” !
By: Rob on May 20, 2009
at 4:57 pm
[…] an interesting post over at Ultra Local Voice which floats the possibility of a new “UK Hyperlocal Alliance”. There’s a heck of a lot of small community publishers out there busy doing their own thing – […]
By: UK Hyperlocal Alliance Suggested | Hyperlocal.co.uk on May 20, 2009
at 10:11 pm
As someone who is really working in physical (if not virtual) isolation, then this is a wonderful idea! I’ve already picked up some useful ideas!
By: rayduff on May 20, 2009
at 10:43 pm
Hyperlocal is a reality in London and you should speak to this group: http://www.londonvoices.com
I’m a very active member of a local message board. Happy to spread the word…
By: Neil Franklin on May 21, 2009
at 9:33 am
Media Trust and the national Digital Mentors programme is very happy to be involved.
By: Gavin Sheppard on May 22, 2009
at 9:37 am
Yes, count me in. Don’t see why it shouldn’t be possible to keep it free and simple.
By: Phil Green on May 22, 2009
at 2:47 pm
would be great for those doing start-ups to have some kind of power-to-your-elbow information resource Mothership kind of thing. !
By: David Barrie on May 23, 2009
at 6:30 am
I am in from Edinburgh please
By: alex stobart on May 23, 2009
at 1:58 pm
I’d like to be involved with this – have just set up my own local area blog and would be happy to help out.
By: Rachel Jackson on May 26, 2009
at 3:03 pm
[…] Join us in a UK hyperlocal alliance… « Talk About Local (alpha) Well we want to know if hyperlocal people in the UK are up for some sort of ‘UK Hyperlocal Alliance’ (working title) dedicated to a positive future for hyperlocal content in the UK. This isn’t an attempt to form a trade body or a union or a lobby group, just a simple web resource where we can sign up to a simple statement of intent, get in touch with each other and tell our stories. (tags: hyperlocal independent) […]
By: links for 2009-05-26 « Sarah Hartley on May 27, 2009
at 5:26 am
People’s Voice Media is in gary
By: Gary on May 27, 2009
at 2:23 pm
Count me in. We are developing 20 hyperlocal sites around Cumbria and working on model which shares ad revenue with local correspondents
By: Nick Turner on May 27, 2009
at 3:26 pm
Definitely up for it. Would be good to be able to get advice and support from other people running hyper local blogs across the UK – learn from each other.
By: Ed Walker on May 27, 2009
at 10:05 pm
We are keen to support and get involved.
By: Enjoy Manchester on May 28, 2009
at 12:05 pm
Count me in
By: Craig on May 28, 2009
at 12:09 pm
I’m virtually with you already!
By: Martin Dudley on May 29, 2009
at 6:10 am
yes count me in. I want us to have support systems for local resilent well connected networks of people keen to improve their local neighbourhoods. So anything which helps the activists fits well.
By: Eileen Conn on May 29, 2009
at 7:35 am
yes count me in. I want us to have support systems for local resilent well connected networks of people keen to improve their local neighbourhoods and strengthen their communities. So anything which helps the activists fits well.
By: Eileen Conn on May 29, 2009
at 7:37 am
Hi William
Good to see your new endeavour is off to a flying start. We are really interested in seeing how you get on – please get in touch if you are up for doing anything linking in with local councils.
Daniel
By: Daniel Heery on May 29, 2009
at 2:23 pm
This sounds great and I’m happy to help if I can. Please tell me more about your plans.
By: Ray on May 29, 2009
at 7:53 pm
This is a really exciting initiative. I do hope it succeeds. If I can help in any way, please, just let me know.
By: Tom on May 30, 2009
at 3:10 pm
would love to be involved, but our blog has been running for 6 years, how do we keep all that info if we migrate?
By: cyberdoyle on June 1, 2009
at 5:12 pm
Keep me posted – I’m looking to help a north Sheffield regeneration organisation set something up to complement the community magazine they publish.
By: Julian Dobson on June 1, 2009
at 9:56 pm
happy to help if there is anything I can do. You’ve got way more than 20 now…what next?
By: Lucy Hooberman on June 2, 2009
at 7:54 am
i’m in🙂
By: pindec on June 7, 2009
at 11:05 am
.. and another one from me!
People on the ground are the ones that make the news and have have campaigns to tell others about.
Like the way this is linking the networks of hyper-local sites so all can share from each other.
Happy to help with national sharing if I can
By: Paul Webster on June 7, 2009
at 8:10 pm
Happy to help if I can.
By: Matt Collins on June 9, 2009
at 10:25 am
count me in – happy to help
By: Rob Adams on June 16, 2009
at 11:59 am
Count me in!
By: Sharon O'Dea on June 21, 2009
at 4:18 pm
The Young Foundation’s in too. Let us know if we can help at all
By: Mandeep Hothi on June 26, 2009
at 2:20 pm
Yes please. Definately interested in getting involved.
By: Annie Alllison on July 1, 2009
at 8:26 am
Keep all us citizens at the People’s Republic of South Devon in the loop too, please.
All the best
By: captain22 on July 3, 2009
at 1:08 pm
woooo hooo – great to see the ball rolling faster and faster and yes the need for these sites is huge – but there is also a huge need to join them up and to keep the momentum on content and marketing of local sites and encourage the sense of local ownership
exciting to be part of it all – and have been now for 9 years …
local is just lovely!!
and to reiterate Tom – pledgebank!!
By: Ellie Stoneley on July 3, 2009
at 3:50 pm
Sign me up. It’s going to be good to share ideas with everyone.
By: Matt on July 23, 2009
at 11:15 pm
[…] Comments Matt on Join us in a UK hyperlocal…links for 2009-07-20… on Hyperlocal Labs‘Hyperlocal La… on […]
By: Talk About Local grows… « Talk About Local (alpha) on July 24, 2009
at 10:14 am
Would love to be involved and learn from the hyperlocal community!
By: Brian Simpson on July 24, 2009
at 4:46 pm
As a member of the ‘other side’ of local (as I work for a marketing agency that is focussed on providing new and genuine ways of engaging with local communities) I’d be really interested in joining up. Great to see new networks of great local content and real passion behind the subject.
By: Duncan Ogle-Skan on July 27, 2009
at 8:32 am
I am very interested in this.
I have owned or be been involved in several ‘local’ sites for my town for the last 4 years. I am particularly interested in Data Models, APIs and Web Services etc. In other words I like ‘connecting’ different, but related, sites. I believe in the long term it may be very useful if different local communities could share data to form a wider network. e.g on my Visit Horsham website people can search for businesses who stock certain brands. Wouldn’t it be great if my search page could also search neighbouring ‘local’ websites because they provided a web service with a compatible data model? IMO the ideal would be to have a national network of truly independent, but connected, ‘local’ sites.
I am also involved with Facebook programming. The recent exponential growth of Facebook in the wider population has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with local people both within Facebook AND external sites. I believe the Facebook profile (or to a lesser extent the Open Social equivalent) could provide the ideal method of connecting people between otherwise non compatible [social] networks.
I would really like to discuss these ideas further with like minded individuals.
Gavin
By: Gavin Hewins on September 12, 2009
at 9:03 pm
I’d be very interested in registering the South Leeds Information Project as an active member of the Alliance. We’re looking for funding to set up such an enterprise. Count me in!
By: johnbaron on September 15, 2009
at 9:13 am