In a post here on July 2, 2009, I applauded Paul McKee, his company McEagle Development and their Northside project for embracing new media in their attempt to explain their ambitious revitalization project of St. Louis’ north side – called Northside. They had just put up a website, made some a Youtube videos and even opened a Twitter account. From the beginning, their project has been met with skepticism and I for one thought that this approach would be a great way to help them explain their vision to the people of St. Louis.
I was somewhat dismayed then, when I checked back in on their progress recently. Since my post in July, I don’t think they have updated any of their accounts. Scratch that, they have added one Youtube video explaining the TIF application process, but frankly, it’s dry and esoteric, and it is not likely to engage viewers or advance their cause.
Their Twitter account has not been updated since July 19th.
Perhaps surprisingly, I would be ok if they had tried using these tools and decided not to use social/new media after all. I know it’s not for everyone. But if they tried it and didn’t like it, they should at least delete their presence.
That would be better for McEagle than a Twitter page that says nothing. Actually, on second thought, the Twitter page doesn’t actually say ‘nothing’, it says ‘we gave up on this idea’. And is that the message they want to send?
Regardless of why this is the case, I do believe they are missing a great opportunity to get their vision out there, explain it on their terms, in their own words and connect with the citizens of St. Louis.
Nobody else can or will do that for them.
