June Meetup: The Rise of Local Media in the Age of Me, Myself, and I

Hello everyone -

Happy June! We're excited to launch a fresh season of thought-provoking events, and we're putting a new twist on things: each meetup will feature two speakers in dynamic conversation, followed by an interactive Q&A with the audience.

With this new structure, we aim to encourage the collision of different ideas—which always makes for more stimulating discussion. We also aim to connect technology with art, culture, and entrepreneurship, and to the local community in general. Thus, one speaker will be from the tech/design sphere, and one will not be—but the conversation topic will bridge their backgrounds.

To get things started, our first event next Monday will feature Scott Lindenbaum of SPUN and Mike Conklin of L Magazine. It's co-sponsored by 3rd Ward (https://www.3rdward.com/events#6257) and open to the public, so expect to see a few non-Meetup folks there. Also, all attendees will receive a 25% discount for 3rd Ward classes.

THE DISCUSSION

Has our media-glutted, hyperconnected society created the perfect conditions for a local news renaissance? With the whole world frantically waving its hands to get our attention, local news can serve as a reliable filter and a trusted friend. As large national outlets struggle to stay afloat, the future of journalism might just be down the block.

We are pleased to bring together two champions of the local news movement to discuss the future of how we create and consume the news: Scott Lindenbaum, the co-founder and president of SPUN (http://www.getspun.com/) for iOS, and Mike Conklin, the editor-in-chief of L Magazine (http://www.thelmagazine.com/) and Brooklyn Magazine (http://www.bkmag.com/).

SPUN is an iPhone app (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spun-top-news-culture/id575348873?mt=8) that curates the news, targeted to where you are and to the subjects that are being shared most in your community. (SPUN also stands out for its beautiful design; stories are shared on a 3D cube that you can spin with a swipe of your finger.) L Magazine is the undisputed authority on the best of Brooklyn, and has grown from a small three-man operation to a thriving publication with city-wide distribution and a robust online presence.

Scott and Mike will discuss pixels and print, UI/UX philosophy, content curation (and creation), and discoverability. There will even be a bit of behavioral psychology tossed into the mix. The conversation will be followed by Q&A—and, of course, informal mingling over refreshments. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided; you are welcome to BYOB.

We very much hope you'll be able to attend!

Cheerio,

Yin

Co-Organizer, BKTK