The Who & Why

  I initially wanted to remain anonymous for this project, but, because I would want to know... this is an awkward post on who I am and why I choose to do this. I'm Jamie. We decided to stay here after 20 years at Whiteman. Still can't figure out why. Knob Noster seems so sleepy and to some... "boring". But there is something that convinced us that we were staying. We love it here. Maybe it's the people. I know our neighbors are the most awesome neighbors ever. There is an amazing state park a literal 1.5 miles from the 4-way in town and the library has way more resources than one would even begin to guess. So, it's not actually "that" boring when you see how much there is to do.

Which leads into the why. But first, stating from the start that I am just an average resident of the 65336-zip code who cares about what happens here, happens to love nerdy data, and wants to help our community stay connected. I personally cover all hosting, domain, and maintenance costs for this platform, and I manually aggregate these listings using my own free time - hence the "Independent Notebook" part.

It's like my notebook about the community, but with public access.

I noticed that when searching for events and things to do, a lot of what's out there isn't showing up and for sure not showing up on an internet search. Because it's kept to social media. Which is totally understandable! It's easy, quick, "free", and everyone is on social media (assumed to be). When you're a tired volunteer, fast is everything. But it's also a platform that is locked behind a login / password. Surprisingly, not everyone has that. I noticed that even if you follow a page, algorithms decide who and how many see your post, or that when you finally do see something, it's from 3 days ago. Or, you get the hang of it, then the rules of the algorithm change. None of us have time to stay glued to social media 24/7 (at least we shouldn't, even if we do have time).

I'll probably create a data chart or something, since seeing percentages doesn't "hit the same" as numbers that could be people in your community, but to keep this from getting ridiculously long-er, cutting to main point. Not everyone sees events, activities, or meetings that are posted on social media. When you take the algorithm into consideration and a report that shockingly, not everyone is actually on social media, then an event that is only posted to social media doesn't really have the reach that is expected. That's where Locally KN is filling in. I'm manually aggregating publicly posted information (bare bones... I'm not copying their "copy", or their photos / flyers), just important info, date, time, who to contact about the event. If there is a website, I link directly to it and push people to the organizer. I'm not answering questions about the events. That's not my place.

I'm not suggesting we delete our social accounts and go completely off the grid. Social media is great.... as an amplifier. It's incredibly easy to fall into as an organizer. Setting up a social media event takes two minutes on an app they and (most of) their friends already use. Because their friends and other organizers like and comment on it, it feels like the word is getting out. But relying only on a social media group or story to run information to a community is a mistake.

Obviously, this is another digital platform. And clearly there is no 100% reach option. No one is going door to door to every resident in the zip code in a timely manner. However, you won't need to give me your data. Events won't get buried in a social feed of endless scrolling. You won't need to create another account login or download another app. It lets you get the facts you need, in a calendar format (easier on some brains), see all the things happening, then sign-up directly with organizer.  The calendar is fully operational, and I am adding to it every week.

I feel that communities should include everyone, when possible. Consider my independent notebook like a bridge. Not a replacement. Not stepping on toes. Not an arm of the Chamber or a City (I'm not working for either... I'm literally doing this for residents, and those who are new to the area - they don't even know I exist... yet).

Being transparent and upfront. Clearly, I am not a journalist. Bear with me. Ahead of what happens... no one likes surprises that aren't cake or tacos... If this works out well, in the far future, there may be paid "features" for event listings or help with hosting sign-up forms and such on the organizer's side for those that don't have the means to do so. Basic info that I aggregate will never cost anything. It will never ever cost anything to use as a resource for residents. The calendar will always be free for the community. No subscriptions to view what's on the calendar or any of that.

Or you may simply see a "tip" jar.

Now you know. Probably a lot more information than you expected. Sorry. I talk a lot.

If you have questions, you can always reach out via email for now (working on a phone scenario), or through the contact form.

Okay, so go check the calendar and start reaching out to organizers. Go explore and enjoy the community. *Also, drink water. That's important and it's crazy hot still.

Take care - Jamie Earley