Ed Russell

It's 2009 and like plenty of people around the world I've descended into another year with a set of resolutions to try and be a better person in the coming year.

One of the things I've resolved to get more involved in my local community... By that I don't just mean Moseley (where I live) but actually the digital community which comes without the same geographic boundaries.

This is something I've been giving a bit of thought to as it's an interesting take on the 7 principles that govern co-operatives in which the last one states:

"Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members." (see more at Co-operatives Uk)

So - when you work in an Internet company does this mean that you follow the historical local geographic community definition or is it more applicable to do something on a wider digital scale?I think it is but it would be interesting to hear anyone else's thoughts on the matter - it's not something I've seen raised in Co-operative circles. I guess it's like many things within Co-operatives in that it's a framework for good decent behaviour but there is a little room for your own (or your members) interpretation.

Anyway, I've started doing a few bits and pieces to start off the year in the right fashion - hopefully there will be lots more to follow!

Wi-Fi in Birmingham is an attempt to construct an accurate map of all wi-fi hotspots across the UK, one area/city at a time - this is obviously the Birmingham version so if you live there or know anyone there then get on it and update the map! If you don't live in Birmingham then there might be one near you - check out Wi-Fi in the UK which is the founding site setup by the person behind the idea - Neil Cocker - and if there isn't then contact him via the site and setup your own.

I've also voted, and generally annoyed other people by asking them to vote, for Created in Birmingham to win best blog at the 2008 weblog awards. It's local to me, great, and has the chance of beating some more well known names which can't be bad for this city...

Anyway - there are the first steps... Hopefully this won't be like the annual gym resolution which starts off well but then fades after the first month.

Posted by Ed Russell