So now that you’re a part of The BMPR, what’s with all these new-fangled tools on our recently-redesigned (thanks, Vid Luther) Web site?
You’ll obviously notice the new domain — Mom made us move out on our own — to go with our new name and logo (thanks, Maria Southmayd) on our new site, but let’s read more about the additional features you’ll hopefully notice. First off is the use of both Google Friend Connect and Facebook Connect. The simplest way to explain why we’ve gone that route is because we know you, as savvy social media consumers, are likely connected in one (or both) of these ways. Likely, these are full profiles of yourself that you’ve curated, which will make it easier to connect with others in ways beyond Twitter, which is how we got here in the first place.
If you’re one of the dirty thirty (roughly) who attended our first (or one of the many more who was at one of the first three lunches), you’ll remember our great, albeit cramped, first venue of Paloma Blanca. The reason I bring that up is we have a venues tab up there which will have links to all our spots. The places have been nice enough to accommodate us, so we want to show them a little love. If you have access to a facility that would like to host a #BMPR lunch tweetup, please contact us.
On the right, you’ll notice a calendar of events. Not only can you find out when the next #BMPR lunch is scheduled, but you can use it to add your tweetup events (or social media gatherings). The only thing we ask is that you keep it local.
Couldn’t attend #BMPR because the boss wouldn’t let you leave? Working deadline? Held hostage by wayward code? Whatever your reason, we’ll now be able to archive the #BMPR livestreams. While it’s a great resource if you want to hear that one thing you missed, make sure you come out. The networking, camaraderie, Donna’s jokes and me sitting on the floor is a sight you must witness in person.
We have a few other features in the works, but I won’t jinx them just yet. One I do want to mention, though, is a sidebar addition coming soon of helpful links. If you’ve been to any of the previous gatherings, the Tips and Tools session has been our most popular. When Andi or Nan began speaking, everybody reached for something to write with and on, so I know you love it. Ideally, it’ll be a del.icio.us sidebar of helpful tips or stories we think you’ll find useful, so you’ll want to subscribe to our bookmarks or check back at TheBMPR.com often. We’ll let you know when it’s ready to go.
Regardless of what we have planned, we can’t do this without you. You make up The BMPR, so share your ideas with us. We’ll always have an open ear (or e-mail) and pitch it to the group. Do you have a suggestion for a future topic? A great speaker in mind or a tool the masses haven’t seen yet? Do let us know.
Remember, you can always find us on Twitter if you choose not to get at us through here. There’s Donna Tuttle, Nan Palmero, Andi “Marylandi” Narvaez, Jessica Young and myself.
