Cincinnati has a vibrant social media scene. And its members like to keep each other up to date, sometimes several times a day, via Twitter.Thanks to a recently created online database, Cincinnatians who Twitter have a phone book of sorts.The Cincinnati Twitter database was launched a mere three weeks ago and already has over 500 members. This database was created by Kevin Dugan, cofounder of Cincinnati Social Media, market consultant and blogger on Strategic Public Relations and The Bad Pitch; and Shannan Boyer, cofounder of Cincinnati Women Bloggers, blogger on things parenting at Mommy Bits and Account Supervisor at Wordsworth Communications. "They meet a lot of people interested in social media through organizations like Cincinnati Social Media and Cincinnati Women Bloggers," Dugan says. Drawing on these connections, they "decided to create the list to encourage local conversations and interaction on Twitter with this vibrant, active group."While there are numerous national sites that list everyone on Twitter, Dugan points out that a distinguishing point about the Cincy database is that it is opt-in. "You have to enter your information to be included," he says.And true to the nature of social media, this database is completely democratic. Moreover, it's free."We used Google Doc's form tool, which allows you to create forms that collect and organize data and allows you to host the information online," Boyer says. "Anyone can access the information."This democratic approach to sharing contact details fosters a spirit of dialogue and community, encouraging participation."Twitter is a handy utility," Boyer says. "For example, it's a great way to rally around a cause. You can get connected more easily than ever, become a part of these efforts and make a difference in your community."A case in point was a recent blog entry on Boyer's personal blog calling for area bloggers to march in honor of a fellow blogger's child who was lost to respiratory problems. "This is just one way Twitter proves itself to be a useful tool and we're hoping Cincinnati continues to put the tool to good use," Boyer says. To get plugged in with other locals, add your Twitter details to the list, here. Then start chatting. Writer: Jonathan DeHartSource: Kevin Dugan, Shannan Boyer
