We Share Stuff - A Social Enterprise using Social Media
The Internet… where to start? As we sit here today, coffee in hand, we've seen the Web grow into this sprawling mesh of technology, some of it simple, some of it complex. We've seen the people who use the Internet, from all corners of the world, take part in shaping what it is and what it will become. The Web has much to offer and sometimes we all need a bit of help in finding what we need. This culture of sharing that has found a home on the Internet, is what we're about. We Share Stuff is all about finding the right tools for the job, sharing our skills and knowledge on what we've found, bringing all this together and passing it on to those who could benefit most. It's not spreadsheets and word processors, it's the confidence to use computers to communicate - however you want to do that.There will always be those who know and those who don't. And of course there will be those who want to learn and those who couldn't care less. We understand that. We're not here to make anyone do anything. But if it's given a chance, we believe the Internet has something to offer for everybody. Give it a chance, and it could help you in ways you might not of thought about before. From catching up on the goals from last night's footie, to finding out which of your mate's are going out tonight, to seeking advice on sick pay, to finding out if you can afford that holiday next month... everybody is different and the Web is for everybody! We can help you make the most of it.
The project was born through the burgeoning Birmingham online community.
Project members
Stuart Parker
Project instigator, Stuart, has a background of community media, web design, online tutoring and Internet resourcing. Over the past decade he has worked throughout the midlands, being instrumental in the start up and delivery of numorous projects. He also works part time as a photographer and has been noticed around local music venues, getting all funky with a bass guitar.
Jon Bounds
Jon is a freelance social media and multimedia consultant and producer, and also writes and blogs on a wide variety of topics, on his own sites and for The Birmingham Post. Jon is an experienced internet producer, having being creating and managing websites for around ten years, he spent nearly four years working for the BBC designing and building interactive exhibits, displays and film. He's also worked as a editor and author on multimedia design books, and as a journalist.
Jon Hickman
Jon works at Birmingham City University as part of "Interactive Cultures": a research unit that spends all of its time worrying about how creative industries and the Birmingham community should be using new technologies, while listening to really good music and talking about popular culture. He is a Visiting Lecturer at the Birmingham School of Media, is involved in a number of community based media skills training initiatives across Birmingham, and is Chair of the Sutton Festival of Arts. That keeps him quite busy but he does also undertake a limited number of freelance design and consultancy projects, particularly with community or charitable groups.
Kevin Rapley
With his experience in digital design and build, Kevin heads up Interface Development (UI), Information Architecture (IA) and User Experience (UX) at HRO'C Digital, Birmingham UK. Out of hours Kevin works as a Web consultant and gets involved in Birmingham’s social media / blogging offerings. And of course We Share Stuff.