So, I've been thinking about social media. And I've been trying to make the blogging experience more of a chat and less of a rant. And I've tried a few things. The skype thing just worried me too much. So I backed out of that. The CollectiveX thing was a good idea, and I'm truly grateful to everyone who tried to kick it off, but I don't think I've got the time or energy to manage conversations in two different places. I'm going to think about a better way of using that. Maybe around a specific APSotW project.
And then I was reminded that my Mum used to go to coffee mornings with the Towns Women's Guild, and I realised that that was almost exactly what I wanted to start. A 'coffee morning', doesn't that sound nice? (Sure, half of me'll be trying to pretend it's some sort of salon, or Algonquin Round Table thing, but really it's a coffee morning.)
Anyway, my plan is this. I'll be in The Breakfast Club on D'Arblay Street every Friday at 11am until about 1.30pm. If you're around, drop-in. Just to chat. It'll be nice.
Truly, everything digital becomes real.
I think this sounds like a great idea.
Posted by: Ben | June 27, 2006 at 10:55 AM
damn Russell, it's years I'm craving for you to offer something like this.
Will it be possible to arrange it one day I'll fly in? :-)
I'd love to hear some suggestions from you on how to start the APG in Italy, I have no idea where to start...
Posted by: Luca Vergano | June 27, 2006 at 10:57 AM
thanks Ben, you coming?
Luca - for God's sake, don't fly in for a coffee. But if you want to chat, give me a call, or we'll arrange a proper lunch or something and you can come over for some proper purpose.
Posted by: russell | June 27, 2006 at 10:59 AM
A great idea, slightly irritating being too far to go!
When I go to visit the YCN exhibition in July I shall certainly make a visit however.
Posted by: Rob Mortimer | June 27, 2006 at 11:12 AM
Sounds great! I can't make this week but I'll be sure to pop in and say hi next week.
Posted by: henry lambert | June 27, 2006 at 11:50 AM
Russell, I've just noticed you've un-re-branded. Does this signify your current employment status?
Posted by: henry lambert | June 27, 2006 at 12:02 PM
Yeah, I'll pop along. Do they do a nice cup of tea?
Posted by: Ben | June 27, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Love this idea.
(Any scope for sewing some kind of big planning quilt? I'd offer to bring chocolate rice crispy cakes but as far as I know they do a rather fine line of such things at BC already. It was one of my favourite places in Soho when I worked there.)
Posted by: rebecca | June 27, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Thanks russell, flying in for the coffee is probably too much, you're right... maybe the day I'll plan to be in London for work, I'll let you know before.
Thanks anyway
Posted by: Luca | June 27, 2006 at 01:00 PM
Remember Indiana Jones? Indy tells his students that they can see him in his office if they need any extra help, he gets swamped and climbs out the window...
Seriously, wonderful idea. I'll make sure the next time I'm in London is a Friday. I'd love any thoughts on starting an APG for people working outside the M25.
Posted by: Andrew Hovells | June 27, 2006 at 01:47 PM
It's my mums birthday.
Posted by: Colman | June 27, 2006 at 02:23 PM
Is this a known faces event or can a newbie come grab a chair and learn the hussle?!
I gotst a lotst to learnst butst I gotst youth on my side!
Rich
Posted by: Richard | June 27, 2006 at 02:39 PM
richard, all are welcome, that's the point.
Posted by: russell | June 27, 2006 at 02:54 PM
This is a great idea and I will be there barring any work explosions.
Posted by: carol | June 27, 2006 at 03:49 PM
If you find yourself in NYC, can we try and set something similar up?
Posted by: Lauren W. | June 27, 2006 at 03:53 PM
... are the bacon sarnies on you?
Posted by: jemster | June 27, 2006 at 05:11 PM
happy to do this in any part of the world I find myself. So far I know of Manchester in the middle of July, Miami at the end of July, Kansas City at the end of September, Richmond VA - early October, Singapore - second week of November. The East Midlands - sporadically.
Jemster - don't push it.
Posted by: russell | June 27, 2006 at 05:41 PM
Great idea Russell.
If you want to change places in the next times, we have great coffee in Brazil :)
Posted by: fernanda | June 27, 2006 at 05:44 PM
Strangely, I have been thinking about the limits of a digital life a lot this week: too much virtual pontificating vs. actually doing stuff in the real world. Kick started by Asi Sharabi’s (http://nomansblog.typepad.com/) challenge to the blogosphere of last week: how to solve climate change. Having worked in that area, my imediate (and maybe unfair) response was, it can't: you can't just talk about it, you've got to get stuck in and get your hands dirty. Then this week, I've been working on a pitch to a fashion brand with a real commitment to local community: real people, doing real things. I'm sounding like an episode of Grumpy Old Men. Love Myspace, Youtube and all that, but it won't change the world (probably). Anyway, may stick my head round (no excuse really - it's v. close), and see how busy it looks (I hate crowds I'm afraid!)
Posted by: jonhoward | June 27, 2006 at 05:47 PM
jon - I don't think there'll be crowds. I hope not.
Posted by: russell | June 27, 2006 at 05:54 PM
why, oh, why do i have to live so far away? :(
Posted by: diana | June 27, 2006 at 05:59 PM
Might be the best week ever for the Breakfast Club!
Be sure to let us know when the Manchester one is, as thats within reaching distance for me!
Posted by: Rob Mortimer | June 27, 2006 at 06:05 PM
diana - you don't live far away. everyone else does.
Posted by: russell | June 27, 2006 at 06:12 PM
I like this idea so much....I'm going to steal it ;-)
Thursday, 2:00 PM, San Francisco. Cafe Centro!
I'm picturing a new, global In-Real-Life network of meetings. I've got details on the blog.
Posted by: Gary Stein | June 27, 2006 at 08:11 PM
This is the best idea ever. Can you record the chat and podcast the good bits? Actually that might defeat the point.
Or in the future maybe you could do a live netcast. A sort of planners' Late Review.
Anyone feel like joining me for an LA coffee morning sometime?
Posted by: Jeremy Simon | June 28, 2006 at 01:35 AM