Creating Community
We're accustomed to creating conversation platforms for users to rally around, but the SCD+IC project stands out as being especially close to our hearts.
Quiddities is fortunate enough to have an office in NextSpace Coworking + Innovation, right next to SCD+IC. We're close to many of our collaborators, like Harlan Lewis and Dusty Nelson. Everybody knows what we're doing and boy, is it hard to keep the excitement down.
The SCD+IC has been generating a lot of buzz. Local designers have exceeded our expectations of their interest. It has been nice to see everybody in such a good mood at SCD+IC events. When the national economy is staggering and future employment is uncertain, people take comfort in institutions like the SCD+IC.
If successful, the community will accomplish two things: (1) create business opportunities, and (2) create supportive relationships. The online community (or "conversation platform," as we call them) should allow users to interact in much the same way they would in person--strengthening connections. It's not quite a business network, and it's not a social network, either. It's a hybrid.
Why not? Just another one of those crazy things people do when it's time to start using untapped resources. Like sending emails instead of printing fliers. Or recycling those plastic take-out boxes. You know. It's like that.
So, thanks everyone, for showing your dedication and enthusiasm. Welcome to the new community. I look forward to doing great things together.
Des
What Now? It's up to you!
For the past year the Design Innovation Center has been funded by a contract with the Santa Cruz Economic and Redevelopment Agency. That contract was in turn funded by a Economic Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. That contract is complete and those funds have been essentially exhausted building this website, sponsoring design related events, exhibitions and conversations conversations with community and University leaders.
Now what?
Now, it's up to. The possibilities for the SCD+IC are many and potentially exciting. Without money however possibiilities will remain only possiblities.
What can you do? The very first thing, and it will cost you no money, is to register as a member on this website. If we could convert all the people who are on our mailing list, more than 900, into registered members and active users we would be able to convert that to a vialbe business model. Register now and bookmark this site and check in every day.
The new administratioin in Washington has made clear that investments in job producing infrastructure particularly at the local level is part of the solution to our economic problems, we couldn't agree more. The SCD+IC and the Technology Incubator are projects that are a perfect fit for our economic times.
If you want to be more involved and have access to the people who will be making the decisions about the future of the Design Innovation Center and in a broader sense the economic developement of the Santa Cruz area, sign up as a "Plus Member" for $12 per month. That $12 could very well be the best advertising deal you ever get. You'll have your face and your detailed profile in front of hundreds of local businesses and beyond that to the world of design outside Santa Cruz.
Your involvement and your support are the key. Register now, become a part of the solution and do good things for your professional development and your bottom line to boot. Don't leave it to others, get involved in this community and this conversation.
Respectfully,
Matt