Getting out the word

It's taken a little time, but some open media, or semi-open media, are sprouting up in the Sarasota area. For those who might be interested in getting the word out about events, causes, issues, and gatherings, two relatively new and efficient web platforms are helping groups in the community share information online.

The first is Saraota Patch, the local branch of the burgeoning national network of news and info sites owned by AOL, but enjoying the advice and oversight of a team of veteran journalists.

Patch is making use of a variety of "new media" tools to enable people not simply to "post" a message, but also to link to it, to share it with others on Twitter, Facebook and blogs, and to evaluate its impact.

Recent example: I wanted to share info about the upcoming Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP) fundraiser, so I went to the Events page on Patch and clicked on "Put it on the calendar." After a painless registration, I was able to post an entire press release with photos, pinpoint the location on a map, and include contact information. Best of all, the finished announcement received its own link, which means it can stand alone, and be linked to from a blog or social media platform (e.g., Twitter). Since it was posted, it's been recommended five times on Facebook and tweeted as well, so I know it's being seen.

The second resource was created for Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP)-- it's their new website offering information about various events in and around the county's considerable network of parks.

In order to post to the FOSCP site, you need either to be or to know someone who is a member of a FOSCP chapter (i.e., a "semi-open" resource). With access to the site, members can post images, text, links, essentially anything that can be done on a blog. As with Patch, you can go back later and edit the info if anything needs to be updated.

Again, the page you create with your information receives its own link. So, although it's not yet integrated with auto-tweeting and such, you can still insert links, as I am doing here, to see the same Snook Haven event on the FOSCP site.

Two last points: first, both Patch and the FOSCP site are young endeavors that will grow as awareness of social media expands. The power of the mobile web for organizing -- whether for corporate marketing or for more citizenly engagement (e.g., Tahrir Square) is still in its early stages.

Second, both Patch and the FOSCP site -- as well as major blogging platforms, Twitter and Facebook -- are all available to anyone on the Net, at no charge. This is free speech -- all that's needed is that people step up and use it.