Why I’m Leaving MediaLeaders

by

I’ve decided to no longer organize the Raleigh MediaLeaders.tv organization.

Raleigh Media Leaders

Raleigh Media Leaders

When I first reached out to them in January of 2010 I was looking for a way to achieve escape velocity from my job at McClatchy Interactive. I saw Media Leaders as the perfect way to help expand my social network. It turned out to be so much more.

I reached out to some of the smartest people I knew to help me get it going, including: Sarah Burris, Brian McDonald, Dan London, Morgan Siem, Karl Sakas, Meg Crawford and Rachel Healy.

What I came to realize over the last month or so is that the reason medialeaders.tv was started and the reason I wanted to participate are not in sync. It’s nothing terrible, we just see the opportunities differently.

What I hope to do is to run a more open source media leaders event. Rather than a centralized organization making decisions about how the local event should be promoted, priced and who should have access to attendees information, I feel like that should be in the hands of the people doing the work locally.

The best part of the early events was that all the cities rocked on the same night. With that in mind, I’ve started to reach out to friends in other cities that I think would benefit from an awesome open source networking event.

Step 1: I’ve spoken with Tiffani Murray about expanding this open source media leaders event into Atlanta.

Step 2: I’ve spoken with 9 other people who have expressed interest from Miami to Boston.

Step 3: World East Coast domination!

I will be aiming for early November for the next event. I hope you decide to continue this journey with me and the great group of people helping me make something awesome.

{ 20 comments }

Jess August 31, 2011 at 3:16 pm

You rock beyond all comprehension, Mr. Buckley. Thanks for all you’ve already done. Can’t wait to see what you do next… :)

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 3:50 pm

Thanks Jess. You know I’ll probably be asking you for help ;-)

PB August 31, 2011 at 3:39 pm

Sounds like an awesome plan.

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 3:50 pm

I love me some open source!

Eddie August 31, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Phil,
Thanks so much for this idea and concept. Thank you also for the service you provided the participants. You know I see the benefit of the engagement with just such a group. I think coming up with a way to broaden the group to allow more to benefit sounds like the way to go. Thanks again for all you do for the Triangle.
Eddie

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 3:52 pm

Aww thanks Eddie, I appreciate it. But the truth is, the Triangle area has given me way more than I could ever hope to give back. I love how awesome the people around here are, we’re a lucky bunch.

Yancy Strickland August 31, 2011 at 6:59 pm

Phil,

Very good news. I’m busier than usual but happy to help however I can. At the very least, look forward to attending!

Cheers,

yancy

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Thanks Yancy. It’s not a party until you show up!

Dan Wilson August 31, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Count me and ChallengeWave as your first sponsors.

Let’s talk about some ways we can help.

DW

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm

Thank you for the offer Dan, we’ve never had a sponsor… never really thought of it.

Camden Watts August 31, 2011 at 9:24 pm

You are always impressing me, sir. Keep at it. If I can do anything to help, it’d be a pleasure. Looking forward to hearing more about the next event!

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 11:03 pm

Thanks Camden! Maybe a documentary on the trial and tribulations of building a social media empire!

Karl Sakas August 31, 2011 at 9:45 pm

Phil, I’m looking forward to working with you again to organize the new event! In the meantime: http://karlsakas.com/raleigh-media-leaders-lunch-at-joel-lanes/

Phil Buckley August 31, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Thanks Karl, you know you’re my go-to guy when I need things to get done!

Greg de Lima September 1, 2011 at 8:55 am

Phil, I think this is a great idea, dude. I’d love to help you get something of the ground, let me know if I can be of any help.
Rock it!
-G

Lisa Sullivan September 1, 2011 at 9:25 am

Funny. This is precisely why I try to keep Tweet Divas from turning into a “we must do this” “we must do that” group too. The only thing I require with my attendees is that they are willing to give back t to the community in some way each time, which is why we always choose a charity. Outside of that, it’s a group meant just for the ladies to connect as they wish! I applaud you for not conforming but rather, forming something a lot more conducive to our Triangle-wide philosophy here. You know I’m happy to help any time. I’m GREAT at the registration table. ;)

God Bless ya, Man!

Manuel Monserrate September 1, 2011 at 9:38 am

Open source is the way to go nowadays. Great job of recognizing this. Looking forward to hearing about what kind of help you are looking for.

Manuel

Kia September 12, 2011 at 11:26 pm

Sounds like a good personal decision, i’ll be looking forward to more events since i had a blast at the last one.

Gwynne Murphy September 13, 2011 at 10:56 pm

You are always on the move Phil! As we grow and develop our priorities, reasonings and prerogatives change, so it only makes sense that you’ve outgrown your former self. I’ll be on the look out for this new event. Let me know if you need help with anything.

Robbie McAlister September 14, 2011 at 12:59 pm

Well let me know how I can help you Phil. You’re always full of good ideas.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if…”

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