Author Archives: Front Porch Forum
A Recipe for a Better Internet
What would the internet look like if it weren’t dominated by a few huge corporations? And is such an internet even possible? A few smart folks at the Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure have some really interesting ideas about what a more humane and diverse internet might look like. In a short, highly readable paper called “The Three Legged Stool: A Manifesto for a Smaller, Denser Internet”, they outline a different world and explain how to make it happen.The “three legged stool” refers to the three core principles of a better internet:
- A “pluriverse” — as in, plural universe — in which the large platforms are complemented (and challenged) by a diversity of Very Small Online Platforms, or VSOPs. “Just as we do not exclusively gather in shopping malls in the physical world, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are not the right place for every community and conversation online,” they explain.
- A “loyal client” that allows people to follow, read, and post as they wish, across multiple platforms. They describe this as analogous to how your email client — whether you use Gmail, or Outlook, or something small like Hey — allows you to email anyone, regardless of what email client they use. And the “loyal” part means you get to both pick a client and adjust its settings to align with your own preferences.
- A “friendly neighborhood algorithm store” where VSOPs can pay a reasonable price to access capabilities that, at present, only the big guys can afford: things like recommender systems, spam detection, and anti-abuse tools. Just as small businesses have access to high-powered tools for accounting, payroll, and other core functions, small online platforms should be able to provide high-quality experiences without having to spend billions to develop it all from scratch.
Front Porch Forum is a strong believer in a diverse and people-centric internet. We’re pleased to be working towards that future in the company of smart and committed folks like these. Let’s build a better internet together!
More than Just a Garden Cart
What a lovely reflection of FPF’s use in this recent posting:
Need fulfilled, money saved, carbon footprint reduced, and neighbor connection created.
Many thanks for all the suggestions and offerings regarding my query about getting myself another Garden Way Cart. Mine lasted 43 years, and doesn’t owe me a thing, but is now saying “goodbye” by falling apart. Thanks to Donna, I now have an even larger cart that will allow me to get garden jobs done just that much faster. When hubby and I went to pick up the cart, we had a nice time chatting as a thunderstorm rolled in! It’s nice to get to know our neighbors and also nice to not have to shell out full price for something new when something used is right near by! Thank you!! • Devin in Grand Isle
Healthy Digital Discourse
The Aspen Institute just issued its Commission for Information Disorder final report. We’re humbled to see Front Porch Forum recognized among a short list of approaches that are making real progress instead of feeding the spread of disinformation. The commission includes celebrities like Craig Newmark, Katie Couric and Prince Harry, along with an array of national experts.
FPF was held as an example of how to
“Develop and scale communication tools, networks, and platforms that are designed to bridge divides, build empathy, and strengthen trust among communities.“
An Evening of Courageous Conversations
On November 18, FPF participated in a virtual event celebrating Vermonters taking One Small Step. VPR and StoryCorps have spent the last several months connecting residents with different views who might never talk otherwise for a simple, personal conversation. Hear voices from the project followed by an interactive conversation with participants and experts, including Front Porch Forum’s co-founder Michael Wood-Lewis. Learn about the project’s intentions and how to incorporate “courageous conversations” into our daily lives. Listen to the show here.
Front Porch Forum and Braver Angels joined the panel to share how we help facilitate these conversations, build community and provide the tools to do have these conversations.
Local Business Success on FPF!
Timely Tire started at an untimely moment for a new business — right before the pandemic. Between a brilliant business concept and an effective channel to get the word out to neighbors, the business not only survived, but thrived over the past year and a half.
With the help of FPF ads and neighbor recommendations, Timely Tire grew from a startup to serving nearly 600 cars in nine weeks. This growth was featured in Seven Days and the Burlington Free Press.
Set up a business profile today, you’ll also automatically get your business listed in the new FPF Directory.
Introducing the FPF Directory
Finding great local businesses just got easier with the FPF Directory.
The Directory is a collection of more than 10,000 Vermont businesses and nonprofits that participate in Front Porch Forum. Browse the 245+ categories to find local businesses and organizations that meet your needs:
Find featured listings at the top of the Directory page:
Scroll down to check out new listings in your area:
A slider at the top of the page allows you to search for the local businesses closest to your community, or to search across the entire state:
You can also “favorite” businesses to add them to your personal “My Favorites” list:
Have a look at the FPF Directory today, and start building a list of your favorite local businesses!
Strange but true FPF tales
We’re often pleasantly surprised by the stories, fun and witty moments found on Front Porch Forum. Here’s one to bring a smile to your Monday:
“Did you drop a cheese ball on Berlin St. Friday afternoon? I saw it rolling down the sidewalk too late to get your attention. We have it safe in the fridge, hopefully it wasn’t for tonight’s dinner!” • Ken in Montpelier
“If it weren’t for Front Porch Forum would we even know about the runaway mozzarella ball rolling down Berlin Street, rescued by kind strangers? Good to know these oddball random acts of kindness.” • Kristin in Montpelier
FPF Seeking Ace Advertising Sales Rep
Terrific earning opportunity for a skilled Sales Pro!
FPF is a Vermont-based Benefit Corporation and we’re seeking an additional Sales Rep Professional to join our growing team. Help FPF fulfill its community-building mission while supporting local businesses to meet their goals.
Healthy portfolio of existing customers and inbound leads. Remote work and Burlington office options.
Learn more and apply: https://frontporchforum.com/about-us/careers-at-fpf
UPDATE: Position filled.
Recommendations and help from neighbors
Front Porch Forum members share their knowledge and recommendations with neighbors.
“A couple of months ago there was a posting recommending Brian S. to wash windows. It was so complimentary I immediately contacted Brian, who did my windows today. As promised he did a beautiful, thorough job. Which gets me thinking about FPF and the great service it provides to our community. Thank you FPF for giving us the ability to converse as a community and to support each other.“ • Ellen in Ferrisburgh
“Hi Conrad: Thank you for posting the results of your request for dairy farm recommendations! This is very helpful. What a great community we have of FPF members willing to share their knowledge & experiences.” • Madeline in St. Johnsbury
“What an amazing and generous community this is! I’d like to thank all the women who responded to my urgent, pre-surgical need for a house cleaner, everyone who offered help and recommendations. It astonishes me that I found the Perfect Person on the very same day I sent out my posting! As usual with Front Porch Forum, I seem to have found not only a helper but a new and delightful friend. And how many other friends are out there, just waiting to be met! A dip into FPF always reminds me of this. So gratitude to all.” • Tami in Montpelier
“Dear FPF friends, I had asked for an electrician who would call me back. I was overwhelmed by the volume of responses, both privately and on the Forum–far too many of you wonderful folks responded for me to thank you individually. But, I am beyond grateful for your kindness. Thank you, FPF!!!” • Elizabeth in Middlebury
“Thanks to all who sent recommendations for a good HVAC company, it was most appreciated. I love FPF and this is why I contribute yearly.” • Jackie in Williston
Did you find something helpful from a neighbor on Front Porch Forum? Remember to share your findings on FPF!
Cool Finds and Neighbor Connections on FPF
FPF is the place where members can go to call dibs on cool freebies, offer up their surplus zucchini, or ask neighbors if they have an old elliptical lying around that they don’t use anymore. It’s a beautiful give and take, but most importantly it introduces folks to the people who share their community. See some recent exchanges from your neighbors on FPF:
“I just want to encourage folks out there to join the forum. It’s so informative that you want to always be checking on what’s coming next! There is a need for all to join to express your feelings, to want to buy / looking for something or wow didn’t know about that. It’s beneficial, exciting and you want to tell everyone about FRONTPORCHFORUM. When animals are lost I write their names down so I can be on the look out for them. Please if you don’t join you don’t know what you’re missing out on.” · Ellie in Ferrisburgh
“Hello neighbors, I am looking for an old Shepard’s hook (a stake with a hook on the end, and an old metal watering can. While I’m here, I want to give a huge Shout Out to FPF and this amazing community. A few weeks ago, I posted about a lost hoodie at The Grift. It was returned to me from word-of-mouth because someone saw my post. I’m So Grateful” · Gretchen in Mad River Valley
“Guess how many responses I had to my posting looking for a dog crate? Six, plus great recommendations to purchase at the Humane Society and at Recycle North. Amazing. I will definitely post again before running off to buy anything new. Thanks.” · John in Burlington
Connect with your neighbors on Front Porch Forum and you may have some pleasant surprises in store!
About Blog
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more
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