1st Annual Charlottesville Piedown - what??
I attended the first annual Charlottesville PieDown yesterday. Yes, the first annual Cville Piedown, held at Mudhouse on the downtown mall. This event, a competition for the title of Charlottesville Pie Master, was phenomenal. Not just because it was fun, or the pies pretty and delicious, or the company wonderful, but because this all came about as the result of Twitter. Unbelievable I assert, that over 30 people filled Mudhouse to standing room only on the Sunday of a holiday weekend, just to watch 5 people eat pie (and get a tiny taste if patient). Mayor Norris was there, participating as a judge (lucky!) and before it ended Congressman Tom Perriello stopped by as well. The event was well covered by both The Daily Progress and NBC 29. All because they follow social media darling Twitter.
Count me among them.
What does twitter mean to me? A FAST, let me repeat, FAST and easy way to find and communicate with corporate customers, colleagues (local and otherwise), and friends or family in 140 words or less. Already a person of few words, I confess I love it. I might even receive complaints, but that is encouraged. I want to be trusted and available, and want the opportunity to tackle a problem if at all possible. In addition, Twitter allows all followers to see the post and response, promoting sharing and creativity in a new and improved way. Following peers in aviation, I am able to network more than before; and, following news (or anyone!), the opportunity to hear it first on Twitter.
Most importantly, I have met the most congenial, helpful, friendly, bright, intelligent group of people imaginable. During my initial Twitter days, it was pretty obvious who the original tweeters of Charlottesville included, and while significantly more techno-intelligent than me, they were gracious and accommodating, helpful and encouraging.
Turning to park at the back of the Omni, I voiced a moment of trepidation to my daughter who eagerly accompanied me to the Piedown. However, it turned to excitement when I saw Joe Meade & family as I parked my car. No, I had not yet met Joe, but already recognized him as I pointed him out to my daughter. It was a bit unique, finding familiar faces that I had never met. Try explaining that one to your great aunt!
And I think that's what I found most unique and intriguing yesterday, recognizing that this group of online commuicators understands that it's not just about the technology, but the relationship as well.
Oh, and in case you are interested, it's all documented-be sure and visit the website for pictures, recipes and the people who made it possible.
Stay tuned to Fall 2009 - First Annual Crozet Piedown to come!
Barbara,
Great post. I think you’ve captured the essence of the whole thing, and you point to how Twitter can actually work to bring a community closer together instead of - as some have argued about the web - making people less social.
Steve