I think part of the discussion on all these blogs has possibly not identified that here in Devon, we haven’t had a ‘pulling together of online connected communities’ nor such a need in the past until now. This is probably due to the increase of take up of users locally using a variety of online social networks in the last year.

Like many other areas of the UK, there is room for all types of events as we all have different needs, and reasons as to why we want to meet and connect. I couldn’t imagine that those interested in marketing for example would enjoy being at an event talking about HTML5 for example, and vice versa. As you know (from my past ramblings on the subject!) I’m hoping that now so many of us are connected there will be new events/meetups that I would want to attend more, such as web standards groups, usability groups, (more to do with my work) as well as the vital for connecting with others such as social media cafes (more to connect me with others that I already connect with socially on various networks not just Twitter). In the past I’ve travelled to London to meet like-minded folk and other cities too. Now, it is all happening locally, am looking forward to similar networks finally getting off the ground too as we become more connected. Those that will flourish are those that are organic and have a purpose.

I know that I need to play a part in helping organise get going with some of them too (ie – the local Devon Social Media Surgeries am currently planning for early next year; and aim of pulling together other web techs who enjoy web standards too later on and so on for more informal meet ups). Traditional conferences have their place too, and am sure we’ll see a rise of all forms of face to face networking opportunities in the coming months ahead, which includes an array of all of these and more.

Maybe Devon has been (ahem!) slightly behind in some senses of people connecting, but it is a huge and spread out county at that, and maybe we’re going to find some innovation and learn from others in getting it right in enabling all to be included where ever they are, or whatever interest they have to be part of an event/club/gathering whether face to face or online. That includes those interested in sustaining and developing their business (ie, the more traditional conference event), through to those with a specialist interest who like to share and connect and solve issues together for a purpose, and much more too.

Whatever the purpose is, in normal non ’social-media’ life, we find a way to connect with others. Social media is just another means of widening and connecting.

Exciting times. Can’t wait to see how it all evolves in the coming year ahead.