In past observational posts, I talked about going out into the neighborhood, meeting people and talking face to face. I still really like that approach, and will continue to use that as a way to collect more sources and work my way into the neighborhood. 

This week I took a step back, and actually spent some more time looking for the Old Town entity as an online community. Since we're trying to engage the physical community, in an online environment, I want to really get to know what already exists out there on the web for members of Old Town. 

I know it doesn't sound that different from what we've been doing, but  I'm still trying to put my finger on: What people are talking about in Old Town? What do they care about as a community? How are they talking about it? All these questions have answers and will greatly help our blog be successful. 

One of the approaches I took was to search through blog rolls of well established hyperlocal news sites such as Gapersblock.com, Windy Citizen, and TimeOut to find who else is out there discussing Old Town. 

I found a few good resources such as forgottenchicago.com, areachicago.org, and Beachwood Reporter. 

The main focus of my research this week was to answer the question: How are people talking? In other words, do people in Old Town need a community blog to communicate and coordinate better. Even businesses that didn't have a web page a few years back already have Facebook pages, but that is probably their only interactive component. 

Something I read on the Old Town Triangle Association website put me on this track. In a Message From the Otta President, Fern Bomchill Davis, wrote, "Our communication in the neighborhood has vastly improved, but we can still better serve our residents." I think her message to the Old Town community is very relevant to what we're trying to do, and convince people will work. 

Aside from our individual entries, I would really like to create a table of all the people our group combined has talked to and their contact info. Chelsea wrote in her observation that there was some overlap and confusion in our group. I agree with her that we need to keep better track of who we've already contacted. Molly from Lincoln Park Now talked a little bit about a database she made to organize her contacts. I'll email her and ask more about it. I might be able to create a google doc spreadsheet so our group could access it online and keep adding to it.  

For my entries this week, I'm writing one post on the history of Old Town and another about the renewal projects and local committees in the neighborhood involved with them. I really interested in how OTTA funds its beautification projects and how local businesses are involved. This could be an ongoing story once I can get more interviews. I'm also going to post a photo gallery tomorrow. 

I'll also post my entries on Twitter, and to the Windy Citizen. I think having a database of contact lists could be helpful in getting the word out.