Proposal Overview:
  The development of a local social media network tailored specifically for performers, musicians, artists, dancers, arts organizations, venues, and stage technicians in Southern Humboldt County. This platform will serve as a dedicated space for individuals in the arts community to connect, share, promote, collaborate, and showcase their talents, while building supportive networks, interest groups, informational discussions and event schedules.

Why create a local arts based Social Network?
  In the realm of social media, the term “social” implies a platform’s primary focus on user engagement and the facilitation of communal interaction. Since the advent of social media technology there has been a transformative revolution in the way individuals communicate, share information, and connect globally. Though these platforms have played pivotal roles in shaping public discourse, mobilizing social movements, and nurturing online communities they have also grown to be cumbersome, out of touch, and onerous, sowing doubt and disfavor by their monopolization and reliance on manipulation to create favorable advertising environments for increased profitability. The major social networks are often confusing to use effectively, with tools that are established to benefit data mining, and tracking, out of the control of local communities.

  A local non-profit network platform would prioritize user control, privacy, and decentralization, creating advantages over traditional platforms. Decentralized social networks are online social media platforms that operate within a distributed environment. These platforms rely on a peer-to-peer model, allowing users to interact directly without depending on a central authority or server. They are characterized by their decentralized, open-source, ad-free, and community-owned nature. A private social network is an online community space that allows members to communicate and share information, prioritize user ownership and control of their data and interactions, empowering individuals to manage their personal information more effectively.
  A social network in our far-flung creative community could help bring together local performers, dancers, artists, musicians, venues, organizations, and technicians to celebrate and share our creativity within a supportive community. Introducing cultural creatives to each other in a supportive on-line environment for discovery and integration, community building and engagement to cultivate a positive and inclusive culture.

Key features would include:
 

• Personal Pages: where users can create personalized profiles with features such as photos, biographies, resumes, and projects to showcase their work and talent and availabilty. With viewer sharing and comments.

 

• Collaboration: Users can request help, join interest groups based on their preferences and engage with like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, and connect with other members for creative endeavors.

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• Groups: Additional groups can be created by users for organizations, venues and performance groups, and events.

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• Communication Channels: The platform will offer features such as chats, secure private messages, and group discussions to facilitate seamless communication between members.

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• Ad-Free and Spam-Free Environment: The network will be free from paid advertising, algorithms, and spambots, providing a distraction-free and secure space for users.

Platform Development:
The social media network developed as a web platform will offer all standard social media features while prioritizing user privacy and control. Retaining the ability to share posts seamlessly to users other social media accounts, and the ability to share links to your public page that can be viewed without creating an account.
End-to-end encryption will be implemented for all user communications, ensuring data privacy and security.

Launch and Community Building:
The platform will be launched with a focus on onboarding local performers, artists, musicians, and venues from Southern Humboldt County.
Marketing efforts will emphasize the community-driven nature of the platform, encouraging users to communicate, share, and grow together.
Partnerships with local arts organizations and events will be established to expand the platform's reach within the arts community.

Conclusion:

a local decentralized social network administered by our non-profit organization presents a unique opportunity to build an online community based on user empowerment, privacy protection, transparency, and collaboration, fostering a supportive community where creativity can thrive. The platform will offer a secure and engaging space for individuals to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents while maintaining control over their personal data and interactions. With a culture of respect, creativity, and inclusivity, to redefine the way creative individuals connect, share, and grow in the digital age.

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What do you think? does this sound like a good idea?

let us know: