I wasn't sure where to put this, so feel free to move this thread if it seems better located elsewhere.  (I really should be sleeping right now, FYI...)

 

Okay Cleveland UOers, I have an idea I'd like you to critique.  I have been thinking for a long time (over a year) about undertaking a project, and I now have the time to do it, but I hate to waste hours of time on anything that is unneeded or doomed to fail.  I would like your input as to whether this seems like a worthwhile idea.  Those of you who don't know me, I don't post all that often because I am not in planning or architecture so I don't often have the inside scoop on what's going on about town, but I read the board religiously and am a big Cleveland booster.

 

As all of you probably do, I often ponder what I can do to influence more people to visit, move to and stay in Cleveland.  I've noticed that we often get new Clevelanders or visitors who stumble onto UO, looking for answers to housing and other questions.  I wonder how many more people are out there with questions but never find UO.  And UO, though friendly to anyone considering a move, probably doesn't want to turn into a full-time helpline for every new Clevelander.  I've been thinking that it possibly requires a forum and an organization of it's own. 

 

The forums on Cleveland.com as we all know, are horribly inadequate.  There aren't a lot of resources for those new to Cleveland to meet other new Clevelanders, make friends and form the kinds of social bonds that will keep them here, as many on this forum have lamented.  I have mentioned the groups on meetup.com, which I do recommend, but that site does have its limitations, my thoughts on which I could go into, but won't right now.

 

So my idea is to create a website/forum similar to this one but which is designed specifically for those visiting, considering a move to or recently moved to Cleveland, where they could chat, ask questions and network, and which would incorporate regular events geared towards helping members meet and create a new social network in their new hometown.  I would not be doing this to make money, if I could get advertising to cover my costs, I would be happy.  I do not wish to duplicate the efforts of other websites, including this one and many others, which already have excellent information about neighborhoods, local events and so on.  But I feel an intelligent, moderated forum that can help connect new residents to information, resources and people would be a positive thing.

 

FYI, I have a background in creating php forums and websites, I also have background in marketing, PR and event planning,  I've worked as a historical docent/tour guide and currently I am a performer who specializes in interactive theater which is all about helping people to have fun and feel welcome and included.  All these factors I think make me well suited to take on this project, but first and foremost I want to feel out whether this site/group would be utilized before I put hours of time and energy into it.  I created two previous forums, one of which was extremely successful and is still in use today, (though I am no longer the webmaster) www.clevelandswings.org, and one of which was basically a failure, www.artscleveland.com.  So that's why I am opening this up for a wider opinion before I start anything.  Your comments/ideas are welcome.

I would think the Chamber of Commerce or the real estate industry would want to have such a presence on the internet.

^^I was googling something yesterday and came across some odd forum where a Cleveland relocation question had been posed. There were about ten responses to the question "where should I live." Some of them were: Elyria is a great choice. Don't touch Cuyahoga county. Bay Village is the only place to live. etc.

 

Because my wife is in the field, I come across a lot of medical residents who are moving to Cleveland to work at UH, CC or Metro. These hospitals do a super poor jobs introducing the new residents to the City. I see a big opportunity to work with thesee types of institutions on relocation advice. Maybe Oompa's idea could be merged with KJP's mini project?

3231, you probably came across city-data - most people there seem to view this as the ideal dwelling:

 

Oompa, I would first do a lot of research and find out what's already out there. I recall reading something in the PD or Crains about a professional relocation service - though I recall it was skewed toward middle-age executive types (not that there's anything wrong with them). I would have to imagine that there's a market for newcomers who want an urban lifestyle, or at least DON'T want to live in a cul-de-sac 20 miles from downtown.

 

Funding is going to be a concern, of course. What I might recommend is putting together your ideas and once you have something along the lines of a business plan - present it to the folks at Cleveland Colectivo. http://www.clevelandcolectivo.org/

^Or the Civic Innovation Lab.

3231, you probably came across city-data - most people there seem to view this as the ideal dwelling:

 

 

 

no, the four car garage isn't visible from the road.

well I am fairly annoyed that CSU, the urban university, seems to direct people to Shaker Heights, Cleveland heights (if you are "edgy" or out there) and  Westlake (the horror). The only thing is some people want to live in the burbs. Who you need to find are people who want to live in the city but no one they talk to knows anything about it. I couldn't find crap about city living when we came in 2002. It was very puzzling. still most people we know professionally live in burbs. If the guide is so broad that is offers regional advice, it will be diluted by the idiots that say you have to live in Lorain County or you will be killed.

3231, you probably came across city-data - most people there seem to view this as the ideal dwelling:

 

 

 

no, the four car garage isn't visible from the road.

lol. in past purchases we told the realtor, if we see a garage from the street, don't even try and show it. you should see the shi& in FL- its giant garages with a crappy stucco house growing out of it like a tumor.