Category Archives: Front Porch Forum
Small data vs. big data
Writing for the Brookings Institution and Huffington Post, Hollie Russon Gilman…
Until fairly recently it was not uncommon for new members of a community to bake muffins or a pie to introduce themselves to their new neighbors. Today, people have more robust digital social networks and are less likely to engage in these types of activities. Some organizations are attempting to translate these activities to the online world. Front Porch Forum a startup in Burlington, Vermont is trying to make a safe space for neighbors to discuss the nuts and bolts of their community. People must identify their full names and streets — helping build networks of trust. Neighbors post and discuss issues related to their communities. The platform serves as a source of information — ever critical with declining local papers and coverage. The ultimate goal is to get people out of the house by creating a feedback loop inspiring in-person activity.
In Burlington there are more than 15,000 users (out of 16,000 households) with some households having more than one account, as discussed on TechPresident. Front Porch is expanding to other cities. These types of platforms have the ability to use local data to create stronger, more resilient communities. Citizens provide and receive data from their neighbors, which, in turn, can improve the overall quality of life.
Mad River Valley Fiber Festival…
“Thank you FPF for helping make this very first — hopefully to be annual — Fiber Festival a huge success. So many people read our postings on Front Porch Forum and came. What a wonderful service you do for our communities.”
• Barbara, Mad River Valley FPF
Housing problem solved… for goldfish
“Thanks to FPF and a kind recipient, my two 4-inch Calico Koi-type Goldfish are moving from a 2-bedroom to a Mansion!!!”
• Carolyn, Middlebury Front Porch Forum
Vermont libraries use FPF to connect with community
“The Friends of the Castleton Free Library are grateful to our members. We are also happy to… support Front Porch Forum. Thank you FPF for giving our community a valuable and worthwhile way to communicate with each other.”
• Liz, Castleton Hubbardton FPF
How to find a contractor in Montpelier…
“Hi Neighbors and FPF. You suggested we use Adam Jackson of Artistone of Vermont to sweep our chimney. He came today and did an excellent job, taking care to double check his work. Adam is also a mason with lots of experience and based on what we saw today, we are hiring him for a small job we need done.”
• Martha, Montpelier Front Porch Forum
Burlington beekeeper can’t pass up neighbors’ postings
“Most of us, when we go away on vacation, try to avoid the television, divert our attention away from national news stories, perhaps even lose track of events affecting our Green Mountain state. That pretty much sums up my approach at least. But in perusing my emails, the one thing I cannot pass up is the daily Front Porch Forum e-newsletter.
“Why is that? For me, it’s that eye in the sky that allows me to feel connected with events taking place literally feet from my front porch. There is no need to wonder if the content is relevant. It’s my neighborhood with my neighbors talking about things that they feel are worth sharing. An extra benefit, of course is our city councilors’ and NPA reports, police and fire notices, and information on various initiatives in the city that might be of interest to us.
“FPF has also allowed me as a beekeeper to share what comes out of my backyard with those who provide their backyards to my bees. I have the opportunity to meet new neighbors and welcome back those who have purchased again and again chatting for a while about what an amazing place we live, a place that provides so much diversity and opportunities for expression and creativity.
“I can’t think of what could possibly replace Front Porch Forum, and I hope I never have to.”
• Randy, Old North End Burlington FPF
Enough Halloween candy in Lincoln already!
Oct. 27 FPF posting: “Last year someone suggested that people who live outside of the village area might help to contribute to the large amounts of Halloween candy handed out within the center of Lincoln… If you are willing to contribute a bag or two of candy, please drop it off at the Town Office by Thursday at 2pm, or at my house by Friday. I will make sure it gets distributed to the people who have requested it. Thank you!”
• Sally, Town Hall
Oct. 29 FPF posting: “Lincoln People – I am a little overwhelmed by the power of Front Porch Forum and the generosity of our community. All day long, people have been walking into the Town Office donating Halloween candy for households in the center of Lincoln. Now it’s getting a little embarrassing to accept any more. Weathervane folks have already taken what they need and I still have about 15 bags of candy here in the office. Most people donated more than one bag, and some didn’t even have children of trick-or-treat age. If there are other households in the center of town who want to hand out candy, please contact me at home and I will drop some off. Are there firefighters who want to hand out candy at the station? I can set you up. Any Bristol people need some? I know you distribute to five towns of kids.”
• Sally, Town Hall
Neighbors on the look out… 14-year-old Persian finds her own way home
“Our 14-year-old gray persian cat, Kit, made her way back to us at 4:00 AM this morning. She’s in remarkably good health. Thank you all for your words of wisdom and kindness. Special thanks to Lindsey who reads FPF… she saw a gray cat on her porch and called us. Also to our friends and neighbors Marilyn, Wendy, Jeanne, and Tom. Even people we don’t know, Bonnie and Ann… we thank you all for caring! ONE GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH FPF!”
• Wendy, Colchester neighborhood Front Porch Forum
Like Angie’s List, only better… in Morrisville
“I’ve donated to FPF as I’ve found my ‘lawn guy,’ and someone to clean my chimney and repair my washing machine! I also gave away stuff that I no longer needed. It’s like Angie’s List, only better… and LOCAL! So I encourage everyone who uses FPF to donate if you are able – it is a great resource.”
• Debbie, Morrisville Front Porch Forum
Neighborly suggestions from Underhill
Anyone reading this knows what an important role FPF plays in offering a effective means for staying in touch with residents of the town and area. As a reminder of its value, allow me to suggest that if you haven’t given yet you consider giving:
• 10% or $20 (whichever is less) of the next sale you make or of the next amount you pay for that special item you couldn’t find anywhere else;
• if you recover a lost pet, an amount that reflects how important that pet is to you;
• if you advertise your services with a post instead of an ad and your post is successful, think about giving a small percentage of the receipts from your first job;
• or, if you just enjoy seeing the FPF e-mail each day, give what you can afford to help keep it coming.
My only affiliation with FPF is as a grateful user.
• Peter, Underhill Front Porch Forum
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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