Over the last week we have become acquainted with the inner workings of Buffalo, New York. Through clickets, blog posts and emails from interested residents interested in how they can be the second city to implement seeclickfix we are starting to see how the sideclick program can spread the clicking and fixing.

Our first SideClick in Buffalo is David Torte who embedded the widget in his blog and gave Buffalo their first introduction to seeclickfix. Since David has done this, a few other blogs have picked up the widget or written about seeclickfix, some tickets have been entered and discussions about the potential of seeclickfix in Buffalo has begun. Some are skeptical that seeclickfix is just another way to complain without any goal of resolution, but those like David are starting to understand how seeclickfix can create a network of reporters and fixers alike dedicated to efficiently restoring and maintaining their home base.

From U.I. Feedback, to reporting tickets, to getting the word out by contacting press and friends David exemplifies what we need in SideClicks.

Buffalo is Rising...you let us know if your city is next!

Looks like we got picked up by another local blogger. They end with a great quote:

this site gets two thumbs up for trying to help make my life better.

http://hobohaven.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/awesome-new-website-for-nh-complaintswith-the-goal-of-actually-fixing-them-oh-joy/

That is awesome as far as we are concerned. Its great to have the positive feedback. Good thing we have Google-Alerts running here at SeeClickFix otherwise we might have missed out on the nice pat on the back.

An issue we have seen is that each community that has started embracing the power of SeeClickFix to empower their communicty, thinks that the site was built for them. One of the mottos we had from the start was "local every where from day one". Personally I didn't realize how much people would just begin interacting with our site with such a sensation of local and personal ownership.

-Kam

Things are really clicking along here at SeeClickFix. We've started generating more buzz and as Ben has already posted, we are seeing some real traction with our widget offerings. Check out the multi platform code at WidgetBox. The excitement is palpable.

Earlier this month our service offering got picked up and written about by a local online news outlet, The New Haven Independent. Here is the link to article.

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/05/see_click_fix.php

-Kam

See Click Fixing is spreading to Buffalo where a couple of different media streams have implemented our new "widget".
Check out:
www.wnymedia.net
and
fixbuffalo.blogspot.com

Here at home in New Haven we have also had a local blog become an uber sideclick and embed a widget in their blog: www.designnewhaven.com

If you want to embed seeclickfix in your site just email team@seeclickfix.com for the code(or steal it from one of the above sites...they won't mind.)

This week we got some great press. A local New Haven news letter picked up our work here at SeeClickFix and decided to reach out to their readers. Its great to see community organizations see how much value we can provide and begin championing our system.

This is just one example of our belief that the resources and networks already exist in our communities its just a matter of breaking down the barriers to communication and engagement. Someone wants to fix that street light or remove that graffiti but they can't if they don't know where to go. Now, those who are effected can reach out to those who will fix.

Ok now all pumped up. Below is the article. I look forward to seeing your tickets. Keep'em coming.
-Kam

A Quicker Fixer Upper

Ever wondered who’s responsible for fixing potholes, replacing blown out street lights and cleaning graffiti? Well,there’s a huge network of organizations (including the Town Green District) working together to take care of all sorts of issues throughout the city, but now there’s a way you can help them (and us) do the job more efficiently.

It’s as simple as SeeClickFix!

Elm City locals Jeff Blasius, Ben Berkowitz, Kam Lasater and Miles Lasater launched SeeClickFix.com as way to use the power of the internet to keep New Haven clean, vibrant and beautiful. With SeeClickFix, concerned citizens, merchants’ associations, Aldermen or utility companies are alerted to concerns or requests for service. The website’s map based interface makes it easy for anyone to pinpoint a location and identify an issue. Here’s how it works:

See: See a non-emergency issue in your neighborhood.

Click: Go to SeeClickFix.com, click on the map, open a ticket and describe the issue. Each ticket generates an email to a "Fixer," someone involved with solving issues in that area. All tickets regarding graffiti in Downtown are addressed by the Town Green District’s Clean Team.

Fix: Click save on your ticket and the issue is reported for a more timely resolution.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Want to be an even bigger help? Sign up to be a SideClick and you can help spread the word, work with Fixers, and provide feedback.

SeeClickFix: Open your eyes, raise your voice, click your ticket!

In our regular seeclickfix Sunday Jam Session, otherwise known as developers gone wild, we hit a standstill when we realized that we could not access our source code.
When seeclickfix developers are "not going wild" we enjoy updating (spamming) people about our latest and greatest developments and occasionally, though it's most painful for me, reading.
About 5 minutes ago in one of these reading endeavors I came across what seems to be the best justification for widespread seeclickfixing written by New York City Councilwoman Gale Brewer. http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/issueoftheweek/20040710/200/1033

In the article Councilwoman Brewer applauds the NYC 311 system and Mayor Bloomberg's use of the reporting data to warrant a noise ordinance. She also points out the shortcomings of this 311 system:
1. The complaints are sent to a centralized complaint area where no one else has access to them.
2. Non-Authorized individuals can not receive reports on non-emergency issues.
3. The data that is used is not localized enough to identify specific problem areas beyond, say "Lower Manhattan."

Gale, if you've come across this post, we believe seeclickfix is the solution to your problem.
SeeClickFix allows anyone to watch the smallest of areas and receive reports. It also allows multiple people to comment on an issue.

When we first started working on seeclickfix 3 months ago we did not think much beyond the local public works department in terms of who would be a "fixer." As use has started to grow in New Haven, CT, where we have first implemented concentrated marketing, all types of fixers are coming to the table.

A city/town is a complicated organism that requires Alderman/Councilman, Merchant's Associations, Public Works departments, Neighborhood watches, not-for profits, for profits, utility companies and just your average concerned citizen to remain healthy.
Enabling all of these parts to listen to the same system allows for a healthier system.

Hopefully New York does open up their 311 system for all, but if they don't, you can always seeclickfix.
Gale, we'd love to talk, ben@seeclickfix.com

Exciting new features at SeeClickFix. I think you'll find them quite useful.

• SeeFix. If you work for the local government or want to take responsibility for your neighboorhod, get notified anytime a ClickIt is opened or updated in your area. It's simple, just visit the SeeFix section of the website. Then you find your local area and draw a line around the area you want to watch. Once you save and give us your email, we'll let you know whenever a new ClickIt is opened or updated. You can use that information to monitor the performance of those officially responsible for addressing the issue or you can choose to fix it yourself. You could even check out the area and add your own comments on the issue. Do you agree? Has it already been resolved? You can help keep the database up-to-date.
  
• Search. We've made it easier to find the ClickIts you're looking for. Now on the SeeClick page you can search by keyword, radius and/or status. More features to come based on your feedback.
  

As always, if you're interested in becoming a SideClick, please contact us.