So I have been doing controversial posts for a while now, so it is only fair that I spread the love and say what I am proud of in this great city and state in terms of Social Media / Web / Internet.
In no particular order, I am proud of…
IMPOROMPTU STUDIO
www.impromptustudio.com
When I first met Daniel he was just a guy working at the Great Ape Trust making a vending machine for a gorilla. Next thing I know he is pioneering co-working in Des Moines. While I haven’t had the opportunity to actually work for any length of time at Impromptu, I want to. The place oozes creativity and energy.
TWEETUP BADGES
www.tweetupbadges.com
When Chris Pirillo came to town, Rich made little badges for those in attendnace with their twitter handle. This idea grew and became a sub-business of his “day job.” This is the kind of innovation and keying in on trends that really make me proud to be part of the Des Moines tech community.
SMARTY PIG
www.smartypig.com
Ok, so they outsourced their web site to HappyCog, but they are still an Iowa company. Shortly after launching, their site design was hijacked and the DM community rose to the challenge and helped bring awareness to the infringement, and helped push down the search engine rankings for TrustyPig – the infringer.
BITMETHOD
www.bitmethod.com
Ok, so we’re back to Daniel Shipton again. Diving this time into app development with Igor Dobrosavljevic and Neil Roberts, BitMethod has released several apps and have several “in the labs.” They already look top-notch with their products and their site, with a little more staff and time, they could really be an app powerhouse in the area.
ROB JENSEN
twitter.com/jensenrf
I throw Rob into the mix because he has been instrumental in trying to organize big events in the area. He and Aaron Webb (and others) helped organize one of the first barcamps a few years ago, tried to bring a podcamp here (or did we actually have one?) and understands the value of collaboration with unconferences.
LAVA ROW
www.lavarow.com
Ok, so I give Lava Row a lot of indirect flack. Mainly because I know founder Nathan T Wright can handle it. We Ames people have to stick together. When I was hearing about firms out East such as Crayon, there was Nathan starting something similar here in Des Moines. That deserves a lot of credit.
So there are just a few of my top “nods” to Des Moines companies and people making the tech scene what it is. If yo aren’t listed, it’s not that I don’t like you or think you are important, its just I had to start with a “top list” and after thinking about it, these bubbled up to the surface.
The great thing about Des Moines tech companies is the variety of services they offer, and the different ways they implement their customer’s needs.
This city has a lot of promise, I hope we can keep moving it forward.
So now you’re proud? Who is going to believe that now? Gimme a break, Troy.
claire,
Im sorry you couldn’t see the actual point of the post that has wounded you.
Ive tried to make it more clear, but not sure I can put it any clearer.
The main question, was since Des Moines is a hotbed of social media, with three firms, and countless others trying to “make it” … why nobody has emerged as a leader, both locally and nationally.
Now I still think social media experts / consultants / whatever are on shaky ground, especially if their previous profession- or any formal education – has absolutely nothing to do with traditional marketing.
I also don’t believe in chiropractors.
As in any group or profession, there are people you can’t stand. Obviously you have moved me into that position. Fair enough. There has been a lot of “division” within our ranks recently and this will just be another one.
You’ve made it clear you believe in gimmick marketing / brand building and I don’t. Chalk this up to another one we disagree with. I only wish you could see the intent was not to harm, but to bring attention to several things going on in our community.
Ive received as many “yeah, you make good points” as negative ones, so I’m moving on. All I can say is Im sorry you feel the way you do, Claire. I wish you could see what I was getting at.
Thanks for the listing.
I have helped with a couple of events/camps however there is always room for more. Its hardwork and takes a community for them to be successful.
Luckily for me hosting is always the easiest part. Spreading the word, getting the right people plugged in, bringing in great content and conversation is the work of the overall community and those who choose to support it.