Category Archives: Front Porch Forum
“Stolen” Montpelier pie taken in error returned
“I think it is always good to share good news. A friend told me that the pie that was thought stolen from Court Street was taken in error by a teacher who was gathering goods for disadvantaged students from a free pile on the same porch! Once the teacher read Front Porch Forum, the pie was returned untouched accompanied by a donation for the bottle drive!”
• Skye, Montpelier FPF
Local sources of good news / bad news
Organic Connections just published a piece about FPF, closing with this…
As another member recently recounted, “I read the local newspaper and I read my Front Porch Forum. In the paper the definition of news is often something bad that’s happened an automobile accident, crime, etc. On Front Porch Forum it feels like most of the content is positive and helpful. I read the local paper and I feel kind of worn out. I read Front Porch Forum and I feel uplifted because it’s people saying thank you and helping each other out.”
Woodstock Front Porch Forum a hit
“Last week I posted 3 items on FPF and sold two of the three within a couple of days to very nice neighbors who I had not previously met… FPF truly simulates a ‘neighborhood’ as other venues do not.”
• Diana, Woodstock Front Porch Forum
Monkey the Cat back home thanks to caring neighbors
“Monkey’s five-day adventure brought her all the way from Birchcliff Parkway to Locust Terrace. She has a gash on her ear but otherwise seems to be in good health. With the help of Front Porch Forum and our caring neighbors, she is home now and we couldn’t be happier.”
• Liron, Birchcliff neighborhood FPF
Lost car key recovered in the Mad River Valley
“My thanks to Macy for finding my car key and taking the time to post her discovery on our Front Porch Forum. Also thanks to Macy for not asking me how I lost it… it’s long story.”
• Sal, Mad River Valley FPF
Best bang for Vermont business advertising buck?
Mary Meeker’s annual state-of-the-Internet presentation summed up neatly the difference between where people spend their time and attention versus where businesses spend their advertising budgets. See the chart below based on research from Kleiner Perkins.
Front Porch Forum advertisers are a happy lot who tend to be pleasantly surprised by the results they get via FPF’s internet and mobile advertising compared to their older strategies. Learn more about FPF advertising here.
Getting the word out about your group yard sale
“Our families would like to send a huge Thank You to all who stopped by our group Yard Sale this holiday weekend that we held in Ascutney on Rt. 5. Many folks told us they saw the ad on Front Porch Forum. At least 5 families provided items for sale including a little guy (age 5) who cleaned out his own toys to make some money to buy a train he wants. It was fun to see him explain toys to little ones younger than him and get them to make a choice. Again, many, many Thank Yous!”
• Linda, West Windsor FPF
“Amazed by FPF members and their willingness to help… “
“I continue to be amazed by FPF members and their willingness to help. It really is the modern day equivalent to the group at the country store. I asked for information on moving boxes. I was deluged with offers and ideas. Thanks, all of you.”
• Brian, Waterbury Front Porch Forum
#THISisJournalism highlights Front Porch Forum
Andrew DeVigal & Mike Fancher report today…
It was a presentation months in the making.
Titled “T
HIS is Journalism,” the presentation carried enormous expectations as the ending plenary to our conference that asked that very question: What is Journalism? Luckily, we had help from many whose tweets illuminated emerging forms of journalism in unexpected places.
Earlier this year, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication‘s (SOJC) Agora Journalism Center launched the #THISisJournalism social media campaign and website. #THISisJournalism is a collection of transformative projects that challenges our definition of journalism while also serving the functions of journalism to enhance public knowledge and enrich civic life…
They go on to share summaries of a many new online services that contribute to journalism today, including Front Porch Forum.
Threatening IRS phone scam reported in Essex Junction, Vermont
Recent discussion on Front Porch Forum in Essex Junction…
“Received today a voice mail ,supposedly , from the Crime Investigation Unit of the IRS threatening vague immediate action unless I or my lawyer called them back immediately. I didn’t fall for it. Wrote down phone # from CID & call back #. Wondered if anyone else has received this call. Don’t know who to report this to. Essex PD or State Atty. General? Any ideas?”
• Robert
“Yes, we received a similar call with the person claiming they were from the Treasury Dept (didn’t say IRS specifically). And we’d be in “big trouble” if we didn’t take it seriously and the cops will come to our house shortly (at which we had a good laugh).”
• Eve
“This is a pretty far reaching scam. My parents in Michigan received the same call a couple of months ago. Good job managing the panic reflex. My mom had already given them her SSN before her “something’s not right here” radar went off. Thanks for sharing on the Forum. The more people that hear about it – the less likely their chances of victimizing someone.”
• Jessica
“Yes, other people have been receiving these IRS phone calls. The State Attorney has had warnings in the news alot lately.”
• Robin
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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