#Petertweeter Film Festival

The 2013 #Petertweeter Awards were another resounding success — with universally positive reviews.

In the coming days, I’ll post some of the media hits and comments we accumulated, but in the meantime, I’d like to offer up a “best of” #Petertweeter video posting.  Plenty of creative passion went into these crowd-sourced videos.  And all of them garnered huge applause during the show.

First up, we have Sunday New York Times by Rick Dolishny (@rdolishny).  Through the story of a random act of kindness, Rick also tells the story of the #Petertweeters — and the impact they have on the Peterborough online community.  I’d like to thank Rick for all the post-production that went into making me seem smarter than I actually am.

Next, photographer and videographer, Michael Hurcomb (@michaelhurcomb), “details and parodies the struggles that Cam Elliott (@Cam_BigRed) had when his neighbour complained about the noise pollution caused by his practicing basketball. The intro is inspired by, and features the music from ‘Parks and Recreation.’”

It is a positive story of how both the Peterborough and basketball communities came together online to support a kid who just wanted to play.  It also features Michael’s extremely cute daughter, Audrey.

Out of the blue came a series of videos from photographer Marlon Hazlewood (@HazlewoodImages) and his partner, Lisa Besseling (@lisabesseling).  After the #Petertweeters hit a bit of a controversy, this duo responded by trying to instil some of the fun and irreverence that were originally hallmarks of the show.

Cuteness abounds:

Here they join forces with their biggest “rivals” in the “Cutest/Barfiest” category:

The #Petertweeters kicked off with a “live” entrance by co-hosts Dani Stover (@danigray) and Catherine Hanrahan (@Chan_Rahan).  They almost didn’t make it:

Speaking of Dani and Catherine, here is footage of their opening song and dance number, shot from the crowd by Vince Bierworth (@VinceB).  They brought the house down:

Look for more #Petertweeter coverage in the coming days.

We saw your tweets!

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Petertweeter Awards Set to Celebrate This Thursday

Media Release
March 18, 2013
For immediate release

2nd Annual #Petertweeters to Spotlight
Local Social Media Stars

Tickets Going Fast for Show at Aria Nightclub

The wait is over.

After several weeks of intense campaigning, the votes are in and tallied.  All that’s left to do is celebrate.

The 2nd Annual Petertweeter Awards will be presented at Aria Night Club on Thursday March 21st at 7:30pm.

“I think people are going to be surprised at some of the results,” reports #Petertweeter Chair, Donald Fraser. “I think everyone on the organizing committee were surprised at some of the results.”

Hosted by Dani Stover of 101.5 The WOLF and Catherine Hanrahan from 100.5 KRUZ FM, the #Petertweeters will showcase some of Peterborough’s brightest social networkers. Tickets are $10 and are available at the WOLF/KRUZ offices, Aria Night Club, Black Honey Coffee House, and Tango Fashion.

“We’ll be shining the spotlight on people who are helping bring the online community together,” explains Fraser. “People who are promoting Peterborough, the programs that exist here, and the arts, culture, and business opportunities that the area has to offer.”

The Awards will also recognize some of the more humourous aspects of the online community.

“Some of the most hotly contested – and popular—awards celebrate day-to-day Twitter life. Awards like ‘Cutest Couple and ‘Twit Disturber lit up the #Petertweeter hashtag. We’re going to continue to salute virtually all facets of the online community.”

The evening promises to have something for everyone – whether they are regular social media users or Twitter “newbies.” Combining community recognition, local satire, and Peterborough music, the #Petertweeters will offer up a unique blend of information, entertainment, and, with the quirkiness of online communication, plenty of surprise.  Musical guests for the show are James Higgins and Missy Knott.

In a tip of the hat to the importance of online community support, proceeds from the event will be going to Kawartha Food Share, through the Corus Feeds Kids program.

100.5 KRUZ FM morning host, Catherine Hanrahan will again be co-hosting the event.

“It’s a special evening,” says Hanrahan. “I just love that’s it chance for people who connect online regularly to meet in person and really get to know each other. I also love that’s it’s a chance to recognize so many deserving people who don’t regularly get attention and accolades. Because they truly deserve it.”

For Hanrahan, the #Petertweeters represent a shared sense of excitement.

“There was so much buzz and enthusiasm around this event last year, I’m honoured to be associated with it and to get to rub shoulders with people who I normally admire and enjoy from a distance, online.”

101.5 WOLF morning host, Dani Stover will be back co-hosting the event. She recognizes the impact is has on Peterborough.

“Social media in this community helps forge relationships, partnerships and friendships. The #Petertweeter Awards allow us to stop and recognize those who engage and entertain.”

It’s also grown into a great local social event.

“It’s just a really fun night out. I love meeting the people I interact and share with – the people who inspire me in this community.”

The #Petertweeters are made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Aria Night Club, Creative DJ Audio Services, and Corus Entertainment.

For coverage of last year’s event, follow the link.

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For more information, please contact: Donald Fraser, Small Print Writing and Communications Consulting, 705-977-0604, donald@smallprint.ca

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On Sidney Crosby and Fan Backlash

Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby. Photo courtesy of www.nhlsnipers.com

With 5 points last night, Sidney Crosby is on pace for 77 points in this shortened season.  Spread out over an 82 game season, this would translate into 144 points.  The last person to hit 144 points in a season?  Mario Lemieux.  Before that?  Does Wayne Gretzky ring a bell?

Despite missing much of the past 2 seasons with concussion issues, Crosby is on pace for his best season — and for the highest NHL point total since 1995/1996.

And yet readers in comment sections of the few hockey articles that I’ve read today continue to call him overrated.

It made me think that it was time to revisit this piece that I originally wrote almost a year ago.

On Sidney Crosby and Fan Backlash

It always makes me chuckle when I read people knocking Sidney Crosby.  Particularly in the comment sections of stories about Sidney Crosby.

“He’s not the best player in the league.” “He’s overrated.” “So and so is better than him.”

I often wonder if these naysayers are watching the same game.

If there is another player out there who has captained a Stanley Cup winning team, captained an Olympic Gold Medal team, captained a World Junior Championship team, captained a Memorial Cup finalist team, won scoring titles, helped massively market the game, been part of the best personal hockey rivalry since Gretzky/Lemieux, been the youngest player to win a scoring title in all of professional sport, been the players choice (Lester B. Pearson Award) as the best player in the NHL, been voted the best player by his peers (not fans, players) in several polls, won a Rocket Richard Trophy (top goal scorer), won a Mark Messier Leadership Award, will likely win a Masterton Trophy (perserverance/dedication/sportsmanship) this year, and is the current active points-per-game player in the NHL, could you please list him here?

For the full story please click here.

 

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Canada’s Greenest Home Open House

While I’ll be doing a longer piece on them soon, I would like to let you know that the fine folks at the Endeavour Centre will be hosting an open house to preview “Canada’s Greenest Home” this coming Saturday, March 9 from 10am to 4pm at 136 1/2 James Street.

With solar electricity, solar hot water, a composting sewage system, and a rainwater collection system, the straw bale building is a marvel of sustainable building practices.  It should generate more power than it will actually consume.  All building components are non-toxic, and, as much as possible, locally and sustainably produced.

It is definitely worth popping in for a visit.

While I’m on the topic of events this weekend, don’t forget about Seedy Sunday, the area’s best seed sale/trade.  It’s a must for every local gardener.  See you there!

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Protected: #Barfgate: Or How Your Internet Life Can Be Turned Upside Down Overnight

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#petertweeter FAQ’s

A few hours after opening the voting for the #Petertweeter Awards, 175 people had already voted.  The #Petertweeter hashtag was moving at roughly 80 tweets per hour.  And my in-box and Twitter Direct Message folders were bulging at the seams.

I’ll be announcing more stats tomorrow, but I can tell you that there have been hundreds and hundreds of tweets about these awards.

People, it seems, take the #Petertweeters pretty darned seriously.

With a second to breathe in between the numerous requests for info, I thought I’d answer a few of the more popular questions that I have been getting swamped with.

How and where do I vote?

Visit www.kruzfm.ca or www.thewolf.ca and follow instructions.  Simple as that.

How often can I vote?

Once per 24 hour period.

When does voting close?

March 10th, at midnight.

Is it a formal event?

It is a semi-formal, semi-casual event.  Last year, people looked pretty spiffy.  There was also an organic theme of “Peterborough Plaid” that occurred, with many tweeps dressing in their tartan’d best — including homemade plaid outfits.

Why wasn’t I nominated in _______ category?

There could be any number of reasons.  This year, we definitely tried to differentiate the categories so that as many people and organizations as possible could get some attention.  We tried to choose people and groups that fit the precise definition of each particular category.  If a big gun is left out of one category, it is probably because we saw them as a better fit in another.

Also, there are a few categories that were left blank.  If you really believe that you are the crème de la Twitter crème, then you’ll probably be recognized at the #Petertweeters when we list of the top nominations in the Trend Setting and #Petertweeter awards.

Other people, sadly and honestly to say, might not have had the Twitter stats to get them to the top.  You might be a heck of a nice guy or gal, and clever to boot.  You might have the funniest tweets on the planet.  But if you only have 100 followers, you’re probably not going to get nominated.

And there have been some people/organizations with lower numbers who have pleaded their case to be included.  We have included them.  Will they win?  Probably not, but…

Remember, folks: not everyone who attends the Oscars is up for an award.

What it means to win a #peterTweeter award? Prizes? Bragging rights? A seat on Council?  A parking lot facing Charlotte Street?

Really, the #Petertweeters mean whatever you bring to them. The important part of the night is celebrating the strength and diversity of our online community.  And showcasing a wide variety of people.  So, relax.  Take a deep breath.  And have fun with it.

Should I campaign for my #Petertweeter award?

One of the most fun parts of the awards have been the creative, passionate, and sometimes downright wacky campaigns that have been waged.  Definitely join in the excitement.

*          *          *

There you go.  Some timely answers for some recent questions.

Now get back to voting.  And enjoy the ride!

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Official Announcement: 2nd Annual #Petertweeter Awards

Media Release
February 21, 2013
For immediate release

2nd Annual #Petertweeters to Spotlight
Local Social Media Stars

Online Voting for Award Categories Begins Today

With online chatter already starting to heat up, the #Petertweeters are excited to announce details of this year’s eagerly anticipated event.

The 2nd Annual Petertweeter Awards will be presented at Aria Night Club on Thursday March 21st at 8pm.

“We’ve got a spectacular new venue and some great new award categories,” reports #Petertweeter Chair, Donald Fraser. “We’re ready to celebrate with the very best of Peterborough’s social media scene.”

Hosted by Dani Stover of 101.5 The WOLF and Catherine Hanrahan from 100.5 KRUZ FM, the #Petertweeters will showcase some of Peterborough’s brightest social networkers. Tickets are $10 and go on sale Monday at the WOLF/KRUZ offices, Aria Night Club, Black Honey Coffee House, and Tango Fashion.

“We’ll be shining the spotlight on people who are helping bring the online community together,” explains Fraser. “People who are promoting Peterborough, the programs that exist here, and the arts, culture, and business opportunities that the area has to offer.”

The Awards will also recognize some of the more humourous aspects of the online community.

“Last year, some of the most hotly contested – and popular—awards celebrated day-to-day twitter life. Awards like ‘Biggest Hipster’ and ‘Best Parody Account’ lit up the #Petertweeter hashtag. We’re going to continue to salute virtually all facets of the online community.”

The evening promises to have something for everyone – whether they are regular social media users or Twitter “newbies.” Combining community recognition, local satire, and Peterborough music, the #Petertweeters will offer up a unique blend of information, entertainment, and, with the quirkiness of online communication, plenty of surprise.

In a tip of the hat to the importance of online community support, proceeds from the event will be going to Kawartha Food Share, through the Corus Feeds Kids program.

People can vote online for the various #Petertweeter categories at http://www.thewolf.ca/ and http://www.kruzfm.ca/

Voting will officially open today at noon.

100.5 KRUZ FM morning host, Catherine Hanrahan will again be co-hosting the event.

“It’s a special evening,” says Hanrahan. “I just love that’s it chance for people who connect online regularly to meet in person and really get to know each other. I also love that’s it’s a chance to recognize so many deserving people who don’t regularly get attention and accolades. Because they truly deserve it.”

For Hanrahan, the #Petertweeters represent a shared sense of excitement.

“There was so much buzz and enthusiasm around this event last year, I’m honoured to be associated with it and to get to rub shoulders with people who I normally admire and enjoy from a distance, online.”

101.5 WOLF morning host, Dani Stover will be back co-hosting the event. She recognizes the impact is has on Peterborough.

“Social media in this community helps forge relationships, partnerships and friendships. The #Petertweeter Awards allow us to stop and recognize those who engage and entertain.”

It’s also grown into a great local social event.

“It’s just a really fun night out. I love meeting the people I interact and share with – the people who inspire me in this community.”

The #Petertweeters are made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Aria Night Club, Creative DJ Audio Services, and Corus Entertainment.

For coverage of last year’s event, follow the link.

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For more information, please contact: Donald Fraser, Small Print Writing and Communications Consulting, 705-977-0604, donald@smallprint.ca

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Something in the Air in Peterborough

I’ve been working with the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation on several branding projects. One of these projects, a partnership with the talented folks at Studio N Graphic and Web Design, has been a photo essay on Peterborough’s aerospace/aviation sector — my words, their design.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll offer a peak at some of this fun collaboration. Here’s a page at random.

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Bell’s Let’s Talk: Beyond the Corporate Care Shtick

Today is the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day — an event to raise money and awareness for mental health issues and organizations. For each text, call, and Tweet you make, Bell will donate 5¢ to help fund mental health initiatives across Canada.

For the second year in a row, I’ve been active in promoting it, both on Facebook and Twitter.

Which is odd. Because I’m not really a meme guy.

And I’m far from being a corporate shill or cheerleader.

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure that the money raised by Bell in this initiative will actually make a heap of difference. In fact, I’m not sure it will do much at all. Call me a skeptic when it comes to these kinds of big business rah-rah movements. Call me a realist when I note how absolutely underfunded programs for mood disorders are. Part of me recognizes that the donation Bell makes will not equal the tax break and marketing value that the event represents.

For folks like Bell, I’m probably not a great example of corporate camaraderie.

But I am a guy who has suffered from mood disorders.

I’m a guy who is sometimes scared to answer the telephone. I’m a guy who sometimes looks at the day ahead and sees speaking engagements, television interviews, board meetings, whatever… all the while wondering where to find the energy and the will to tie my own shoes.

I’m a guy who has seen blackness. Sheer, utter dark.

And I’m a guy who is not scared to talk about it. At least not when asked.

This is why I’ve put on the corporate blinders for the second year in a row — why I’ve helped Bell gain some tremendous marketing territory by Tweeting and Facebooking the Bell Let’s Talk initiative.

I do so because I remember the relief I’ve felt in the past when people I knew asked me about my depression. About, you know… how I was actually doing. I recognize the continued sense of relief when friends stop and ask how I am below the surface.

Let me tell you, the worst thing about being a functional person with depression is that everyone always assumes that you’re doing OK.

And the hardest thing to do as a functional person with depression is reaching out to tell people when you are not.

For the record, folks, I’m not doing too badly. Thank-you very much. I’m feeling healthy. Strong. At least that’s the forecast for today.

Truth be told, I’m feeling pretty darned good — and part of that is due to this “Let’s Talk” initiative.

I’m happy that something like 35 cents has gone to charity for my couple of bits of social interaction. I honestly hope that Bell raises a kazillion dollars and it all goes to finding cures for people who hurt.

But, more than that, I’m happy that, for at least one day, people are being honest about their mental health. That they are being brave enough to say: “Hey, you know what? This sucks.”

Or, better yet: “Hey, you know what? I’m feeling better.”

I’m happy to see people of social influence talking about how they feel, about how they’ve felt, and about what they do to make themselves feel more healthy. I’m honestly proud to see people with mood disorders taking on leadership roles and helping normalize talk about depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness.

Because here is an absolute truth: when you are sick, it is so, so hard to lead.

So here’s the deal with this whole “Let’s Talk” thing: Every time we have an event like this, mood disorders become just that little bit more part of our normal discourse. They become an issue that more and more people are aware of. They become more of a priority.

Hopefully, all this attention will lead to a greater allocation of funds, resources, and patient care for mood disorders and the people who suffer from them.

I know, crazy talk, right?

Hopefully, it will also lead to more people being honest about how they feel. Hopefully it will lead to more people reaching out and asking for a minute of time, an ear to listen, a bit of conversation. For help.

Hopefully, it will just inspire us to talk.

And talking feels good. It can make some of the hurt go away. It can be that first step to really getting better.

So, yeah… What Bell said.

Let’s talk. Let’s really talk about it.

And not just today, OK?

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#Petertweeter Awards Go Interactive

The #Petertweeter Awards will held March 21st at Club Aria — and we want you to be part of the show!

As a celebration of social networking, the #Petertweeters are looking for our incredible network of online social media users to be an important part of the evening.

And it is as simple as firing up your camera, phone cam, or webcam.

Send us a video, Peterborough!

Answer any one of the following questions:

1. What is your favourite/most memorable hashtag of the past year? And why?
2. Why do you tweet?
3. Who is your favourite person to follow on Twitter? Why?

It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be you.

Feel free to be creative. Sing your entry. Make it a poem. Dramatize it. Heck, interpretive dance that sucker if you want to. Or just simply say what you want to say and leave it at that. There are no rules here.

No, really. We completely forgot about rules. Might as well run with that while it lasts.

Feeling non-comformist? Fine, we dig that too. Send us your creative short video — on any Peterborough/#petertweeter related subject — and we just might use that too.

While we can’t use all of your videos, we’ll try to use as many as possible.

And look for a new web home for these videos too! Details to come.

As for your video entries, you can pretty much use any format. Send us a YouTube link or a short video file to petertweeterawards@smallprint.ca

Deadline: March 11th.

Get filming #petertweeters!

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