I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that I wanted to revamp the Ypsi shopping guide that we distributed last holiday season. Conversations sprang up both here and on the Downtown Ypsi site and several edits were suggested. Then, last night, our friend Murph took all the content in the flyer and posted it at Arbor Wiki. What this means, for those of you who have never used a wiki before, is that now we can all collaborate on the document in real time. (Thanks, Murph.) Check it out, and feel free to help edit it if you see anything that needs changing.
So, things are moving forward with the brochure. As I mentioned in my previous post, Linette has agreed to lay it out for us once we have all the content, and the neighborhood associations have agreed to distribute them. All we need to do is find a way to pay for copying and we’re set. (Caf
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And when I said that we needed a simple website, that isn’t to say that we would love to have a more ambitious one. I just didn’t want any potential volunteers to get scared off. If someone had the time though, the site could include a map, photos, links to websites, and maybe even an area for people to discuss where they might be able to find particular things. None of that is necessary though, at least not now. All we really need now is a place for people to pledge.
If the SCIT crew had put the same amount of effort into a shop local campaign like the one you’re describing instead of into yard signs, red shirts, and pamphlets, we would have a thriving downtown business community right now. (The tax would have failed anyway.) Can you imagine if all the yard signs said Support Ypsi Businesses this Holiday Season?
m,
I can make 150 copies.
So, add me to the list.
n
Hi All –
As I mentioned to Mark in an email a while ago, Think Local First has been planning to do a Buy Local pledge this season for a while. Can we please make sure that all of our efforts tie together? I know a lot of people live in Ypsilanti and work in Ann Arbor, or vice versa, so it would be great if we had ONE pledge site, with links to specific things like the Ypsi brochure, maps of various area, etc. We could do a few different URLs that led to different parts of the site if people want to – whatever works, but it doesn’t make sense to duplicate efforts to do the exact same thing. We are looking for someone to do the same kind of site that Mark described – a simple website with a pledge form and information. We’d like to offer a random drawing for small gift certificates for people taking the pledge too, as a thank you. As Mark said, doing something positive and appreciative is very much needed right now…
Perhaps the site could have some checkboxes for people to say how they will be taking the pledge: in Ypsilanti, in Ann Arbor, for 90% of their holiday shopping, for ALL of their shopping in December, etc. We definitely want some sort of discussion forum so people can ask where to but things locally, and it would be great to do it by area so people can go as local as they want (and so if they can’t find it in downtown Ypsilanti, they can see if greater Ypsilanti, or Dexter or Ann Arbor have it…)
As a SCIT member I am going on the record as a fervent local shopper of the last 30 years in Ypsi. Most years have found my family shopping at the Winter Farmers Market (at the old Freighthouse), Ypsi Food Coop (my favorite gift locale, check it out!). Today we have even more choices, Apothocy, Quinn’s Essentials and Apple Annies has been a perennial choice. Last year after looking all over, I found the best cordial glasses for my sister-n-law at Apple Annies. I do think Mark M’s attempt at using this as an opportunity to bring the town together should be respected, Mr. X
Oh and don’t forget, downtown, with the Rocket and Puffer Red. I may not get to signing a pledge, but my holiday shopping will be local.
Oh, you’re a sly one aren’t you Mister Maynard. Lure the entire city to your site with promise of hot-n-heavy tax squabbling and then pull your ol’ switch-a-ruse to sshame us into buying from your precious local “businesses.”
Well I’m not falling for it. I’m doing all of my xmas shopping at Big Lots, just like any other year.
I have plenty of packs of paper for printing. I’ll print until the ink runs dry.
Most of the local independent businesses are also willing to special order things for you. If you don’t find what you want, just ask, and maybe we/they can still get it for you.
Was eating a pizza from Aubree’s (Whittaker Road) the other day and noticed that the box had the slogan “Break the Chain”. Thought it was spot on. Same applies for the gift giving season. Gift card to Victoria’s Secret or Ypsi-panties from Mr. Maynard?? Decisions, decisions.
I just wish Mark made Ypsipanties with his face printed on them. That’d be hot.
Have you considered putting a “personal services” category in the brochure for things like the spa on Mich Ave, the yoga/fitness place on Washington, tattoo places, etc.? I suspect some of them offer gift certificates or would be willing to if there is interest from customers.
Do lap dances fall under “personal services”?
This year, I may get everyone an honorary gift goat for some destitute villagers in the third world. I’ve had it with all of the traditional nic-nacks which clutter every house in America, including mine!
Murph, you rock (and not just because of your Ypsipanties suggestion.) In fact, you all rock. I’m really glad to see this is happening again (only better this time!) I’ll be back to visit my old Ypsi haunts at some point before the holidays, and I’ll see how much Xmas shopping I can fit in before my now-thinned blood starts to freeze…
If anyone wants to get together to discuss this in person, I’m thinking about calling a meeting Wednesday evening at Cafe Luwak… At about 6:30.
New plan… We’re now looking at doing this at 5:30 this Wednesday, November 14, at Luwak.