February 21, 2010
MeetUp: The personal touch
By Aaron Wright
The Norman Transcript
Norman — There’s a group of Norman residents on a mission to unite the Internet users of the town.
“The concept comes from ‘Tweet-ups,’” said Cassie Gage, a member of the five-person committee working getting those meeting Norman people via social media to meet face-to-face. She explained that “Tweet-ups” are a popular phenomenon in larger cities where people on Twitter get together regularly to share actual person-to-person contact.
“I mean, I follow people I’ve never met,” said Gage.
She said the Norman committee wants to use the same focus, just not as heavy on the social media aspect. Even those who aren’t using Twitter, Facebook or MySpace are invited to attend. In fact, the committee will be available to explain the concept of social media to people interesting in getting on board at the meeting.
“It’s just a big networking event,” she said.
The Norman MeetUp, as the committee has started calling the event, is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. March 11 at Iron Starr Urban Barbeque on campus corner.
“We wanted to have it at a place that encompasses social media,” said Gage.
This meet-and-greet event will include a raffle for items donated from local businesses. The money will be donated to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Norman. There also will be a cash bar and the group hopes there will be catering, said Gage, who added that they are working on getting food donated.
The group is in its beginning stages, Gage said, and budget issues are a limiting factor right now. However, the number one goal for the group is just getting their name and event to the public ears and eyes. Norman MeetUp’s Web site is www.normanmeetup.com, and Norman MeetUp is already on Twitter and Facebook.
“What we want to do is build some excitement in people in this community,” said Gage, speaking of the future of the group. “The general interest will regulate what we’re able to do.”
Gage said she would like to see Norman eventually have three or four of these events a year.
To be a part of the committee organizing the event, Gage suggests people get in touch with her via Facebook or Twitter.
Aaron Wright 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com
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