Our area holds a fairly successful farmer’s market on Sunday mornings from late May through November. Over the last three years it been a great place to observe social behavior in a microcosm, including my purchasing behavior. The first thing that sticks out: most of the locals do not attend. Instead it’s the weekenders (folks with second homes that drive up from NYC on the weekends), the socially minded (NPR types, we have a strong local ‘hydro-powered’ public radio station) and the artists that do attend. I want to emphasize that the market itself creates a dynamic that draws from certain sectors and alienates others.
Next observation: Four farmers will be offering the same product within a quarter of a dollar in price and each of them has a clear sense of how much product they will unload each week. Very little comparison shopping happens except from the newcomers. Many will cross over to different tents for specific products. For instance, I’ll buy my strawberries and arugula from one farmer, my green beans and tomatoes from another. They both carry all four items, but some intangibles in the process of establishing these market habits keeps me consistent to product source.
If I have a poor experience, I’ll probably stay away for awhile. Then a month or so later I’ll make an effort to return. If what I find under the tent doesn’t ‘wow’ me, I’m probably lost for good.
The socialization that occurs at the market is as valuable to the customers as the produce. That goes for relationships with the farmers as well as the other customers. Going to the farmer’s market is an event for people that replicates key relationships and values. I can get all the items at the store that shares the same parking lot for probably 25% less cost. What I do not get in all those aisles is the open market space…where the customers share a field that allows for the unexpected encounters and conversations.
Now, how would you apply these observations to social media?
(Image via Wikipedia)
AziMuth
The work of sustainability begins not with planting seeds, but with collecting them. I’ve been fortunate over the last three years to learn of this activity through Seed Savers Exchange in Iowa. By watching their seasonal programing from afar, and benefiting from the quality products and resources they offer I’ve started to pick up a knowledge that has been dropped from our collective awareness.
It’s been interesting to learn how many immigrants to our country over the last few hundred years left all sorts of precious valuables behind but managed to bring their seed’s with them. Many of them did not have any land or job or place to rest their heads when they arrived…but in the seams of their cloths they hid seeds. Across the oceans they carried potential.
Seed Saving is a simple activity. It takes an investment of time, some envelopes and jars, and a dry place. It’s an investment that does not pay back till a year later. But it connects us to the amazing power of nature to provide bounty. From one, not only many, but a multitude, a bounty, a harvest. And in the sifting and sorting we take notice and become stewards of the mystery of life that surrounds us.
Dreams Unfolding
I’m visiting a green house and the woman who is the grower is showing me the various plants she is cultivating. I’m struck by how well she cares for each and every plant. I tell her “I see this is where honoring life leads…”
my response:
The last dream was with a master architect and this dream with a master grower. It’s interesting to think of these two aspects working in conjunction with each other. Indeed, this dream locale was well designed, with a wide stone patio and curving staircase leading down to the green house. The design was attentive to the lay of the land as well as the function it was serving. What was striking about this grower was her focus on the being and needs of each plant instead of production for profit. Many times when visiting green houses I sense the neglect, and struggle in my own horticultural practices not to be neglectful to the projects I set out.
@CCSeed
The last of the squash and a few late green tomatoes were picked this morning, ending our growing season for 2008. Our vegetable gardens expanded 200% this year and we are now poised to bring our first produce to our local farmer’s market next season. Its interesting to watch how diligent application yields produce. The analogy fits for social media, no?
Chris Brogan teaches the needs for a Home Base, Outposts, and Passports. Becoming established in this market is a lot like preparing a patch of land for agricultural production. Persistent steady application of effort: taking care of the growing relationships, pulling the weeds of miscommunication, and listening to the weather forecasts. I recommend you watch Chris’ video presentation. It gives context to growing squash.
Lifestream Digest for September 17th
Lifestream Digest for November 9th
Lifestream Digest for December 23rd
Don't forget the real world...
