I like C's words in a comment best: "You are about to embark on a huge great breaking adventure" I also like the way C compared writing posts for Localism to writing articles for Wikipedia. Great metaphor! "wiki-pedia" ... and Localism's logo: "neighbor-pedia"
I've combined a list of links to help people get their minds around Localism ... at least to the extent I've got my mind around it.
Start by looking at your personal Localism page. You find it by going to http://www.localism.com/agents/YOUR AR USERNAME
For example, my localism page is http://www.localism.com/agents/cheryljns
Then go to the Home page of Localism, http://www.localism.com/ scroll down to States and Provinces, and click on your State name .... Here is the California page http://www.localism.com/ca
Notice how the posts are a collection of entries from many different authors. That's why it is important to Localism's creators to filter out stuff like big "subscribe to me" buttons, and maintain a more uniform look to the individual blogs, so they all look nice together on the same page.
Now go back to the Home page http://www.localism.com/ca and in the Go Hyper Local! box start typing a city or community name. As you type, the system will present a listing of counties, cities and communities that match the name you are typing.
Back on the Home page, http://www.localism.com click on La Jolla California for a sample of what a sponsored neighbor will look like. Notice the little "About" blurb written by Roberta Murphy? That's what the sponsorship is about ... you get to write the "about" blurb and the blurb is always displayed at the top of the community page.
Look to the left of the "About" blurb. Those are the Top Neighbors. Being in Top Neighbor position has to do with how many posts you have contributed, not whether or now you are sponsoring any communities.
Here are a list of links to posts recently written about Localism:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/584513/ActiveRain-Unveils-the-New
http://activerain.com/blogsview/27790/What-is-Localism
http://activerain.com/blogsview/586195/Localism-Q-A-Official
http://activerain.com/blogsview/573635/1-steps-to-Localism
http://activerain.com/blogsview/588712/Removing-skyscraper-ad-on
http://activerain.com/blogsview/587376/The-New-Localism-Strategies
http://activerain.com/blogsview/584121/-What-is-Localism
And here are my unofficial contributions....
http://activerain.com/blogsview/589701/New-Localism-Understanding-Sponsorships
http://activerain.com/blogsview/590955/Are-You-Pro-Button
If you want to point to any other posts to add to this list, please do!
Thanks for this important post. I didn't even KNOW I had a profile on localism. It was interesting to check it ou.
Oooh. Me! Point to me! j/k I'm not in your area. But I am a Localism postaholic. And my smiling face shows up because of my many contributions =)
Thank you so much for adding work to my otherwise boring day! Seriously, the day is full but I appreciate your post!!!
Good Points. I think the new Localism is going to be a boost to all ActiveRainers!
I'm starting to understand the end concept for Localism, but think they still have a lot of design and navigation issues to work through. Will be interesting to see how the site develops as they head to the land rush.
cheryl, thanks for giving being there to help us find our way around. (your are kinda like having a personal tour guide to all things new) be good cw
Hi CJ,
I wonder with the greater emphasis on Localism and the way that neighbors show the ranking, if there will be a greater emphasis for those who want the Google Juice to refocus strictly on Localism. Take for example the many many posts you have contributed on photos , photo editing and the like. There was such enthusiasm from new bloggers to learn from talent like yours. If things shift to significantly away from this, will the next generation of new members also shift away from the professional aspect of ActiveRain. Members tend to go where the action is and if that id re-centered on the real competitive efforts of Localism,where does that leave the social, professional and educational aspects of ActiveRain. I am sure many wonder about this even thoiugh it may not be spoken of too loudly.
Hey Cher, thanks you for the mention and using the quote. I'm truly flattered. BTW, I enjoyed your post and found the links to be very helpful. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with next for Localism. Enjoy your evening. Regards, C.
Why am I not surprised the server kicked me out again? (LOL)
I suggested that the community or town information-the static pages, be put up wikipedia style rather than paid for. I might be willing to pay a minimal amount to participte in Localism, I just don't like the sponsorship idea. I can see the value of having the static information there.
Localism is very interesting and I am trying to get up to speed. It certainly looks like I have a bit of homework here. Thanks for the pointers. I will check things out next week.
That was very helpful. I haven't had too much time to delve into the new Localism but guess now's the time.
Hi Cheryl, Thanks for the helping hand. Seems like it should be a very critical marketing tool for us all. I haven;t done as much on Localism as I should. Off I go !
I have been reading I am glad they have given us time to thinkabout the process. After it all blows over we will all be better for it.
Cheryl.....you have posted some really great points here. It sounds as if localism is definately the way to go.
I was excited to learn that I am a top neighbor. We'll see how this whole new venture goes.
Good information. I will check out my localism page. Thanks for the post.
@William -- After things settle down alittle from the Localism excitement, I most certainly want to get back to some Photoshop tutorials. But you do bring up a very interesting question!!!!!
Thank you for the links and info. I think it will help me.
Thanks Cheryl,
Does it say sponsored anywhere, so readers know that they sponsored their contribution.
Judy ...
The sponsored area is very low key. It says "Description Authored by..."
Here is the example from La Jolla, CA
Here is the example from Fort Myers Beach, FL
You can see these for yourself. Just go to http://www.localism.com/ and click on any of the title photos under Featured Communties ... there are six examples set up.
Personally, I think this was done in a very classy manner.
Cheryl,
Any idea how to become a TOP neighbor?
Ralph,
Rich pretty much covered that here http://activerain.com/blogsview/595254/What-Constitutes-Approved-Content
Hi Cheryl - Thanks for the post and all the links. I am trying to get up to speed with the new Localism and this post is a big help.
Cheryl with a "c": This is another one of your bookmarked posts for me to check out. Thanks as always. ;-)
Judy - many thanks for this very informative aritcle! really helped me understand the new Localism... Great work!
thanks much for taking the time to explain all of this. much appreciated.
best
Hi Cheryl, Thanks for letting me know what the heck localism was all about. I have a page and that's about all I knew till I read this post. jay