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The Next Meeting April 6:| Tuesday, March 2, 2010 - The usual suspects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Another 12 people showed up this evening. I sat at the far end of the table so missed a lot of the conversations,
however judging by the dynamics, a lot of participation was going on. If anyone wants to
add to the info, feel free. Monkey Joe's seems to be working out O.K. We may have a couple of surprise "visitors"
in April, and I'm thinking that we may have to start squeezing people in, or use the booths on the north wall to
accomodate everyone. Best to get there early, to get a good seat. See you there. |
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| Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Another fun evening | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thanks to Dorothyanne Brown for this update: Another delightful First Tuesday Networking! Our group is growing.... I believe there were a Baker's Dozen of us all gathered in Monkey Joe's tonight, sharing laughter, tips, conversations far and wide. We discussed Facebook and the new Freelance Writer's Page started by Bobbi http://tinyurl.com/ylhrmg9 and the workshop being taught on Social Networking and Marketing by Murray (sign up NOW through the Ottawa Independent Writer's: membership at oiw.ca as tickets are going fast). (NOTE: As you read this item, the spaces for this workshop may be gone!)  We talked about Paul Mackan's
upcoming book launch for "Dream Girl, Dream". Patrick has been enhancing the offerings on his website
and told us about them: http://www.anabelassociates.com/In around all the business chat and tradings of business cards were swooping topics of the new rap musical at the GCTC, the Oscar nominees, the foibles of adolescent boys, the joys of successful self-employment, and much more I can't remember in amongst the laughter and the getting to know you conversations. As always, the food was yummy, the waitress was fabulous and tolerated all of our discussion and teasing, and the only wish was for more.  I find these networking
sessions very useful. First, I meet some fascinating people who are passionate about what I am passionate about.
Second, I learn new things every time. Third, it keeps me honest. For some reason I feel I have to have something
written before I attend, so it helps my procrastinatory impulses. And fourth, I come away inspired and enthused.
I highly recommend them. Those of you lurking on the list might want to come join us!Dorothyanne Brown  |
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| New Year's FTN - January 5, 2010 - Monkey Joe's gets the vote! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Our informal FTN gathering started the New Year at a new location, Monkey Joe's. From my perspective it was one
of the best meeting places we have had, and judging by the nods around the table the vote was unanimous to meet
there again. The group included: Murray, Hal, Ray, Rosaleen, Darryl, Aimee, Ron, Paul, Pandora, Patrick, Dorothyanne
and Bobbi. - PWM Read three reports (click on name) from the evening: Bobbi Graham; Darryl McMahon; Aimee Britten Here is a report from Barbara Florio Graham: There were 12 of us, at a long table at the back of Monkey Joe's where it was blissfully QUIET! The consensus was that the location is ideal and the food excellent. They have a varied menu, with a number of items priced very reasonably. I had a roast beef focaccia sandwich, onion rings and coffee for about $15. A side salad would have cost an extra $1.99, but the sandwich contained more than enough lettuce and tomato. Our end of the table (Murray, Hal, Ray, Dorothyanne and I had a lively and wide-ranging discussion which included advice about shipping items across the border, car insurance, and why I shouldn't bank by phone, a description of Christmas dinners with a few ethnic specialties and childhood memories (mine from an Italian family, Hal's from growing up on a farm), and a brief discussion of what each of us is currently writing. But the highlight was Hal showing off his new iPhone (about to be eclipsed by Google) and a solid endorsement of Mac computers, which just about everybody (except me!) has bought recently. I'm hoping Dorothyanne will contact me soon, to let me know if she adopted the black and white cat she saw at the Humane Society. It's always neat to meet another cat-lover, and there was a brief discussion about cat antics which also included Murray and Hal.  So what did the other end of the table talk about? Cheers Bobbi
Here is another note, from Darryl McMahon: A pleasant evening once again with interesting and stimulating conversation. I found the new location (Monkey Joe's) to be more conducive to hearing others than at ESM. As I mentioned to a few last night, my New Year's Resolution is not about reducing my waist line, but about reducing personal greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. To this end, I am constructing a Web site with a Canadian perspective and aimed at the consumer / citizen, providing information on how to go about it while saving money on energy costs and maintaining quality of life. If some of you have the time to do some proof-reading and critiquing, the Web site is now up at http://www.10n10.ca. Structure and static content is almost done, and I hope to start on the meat of the content in the next few days. It is intended to be a year-long effort. Suggestions on content and emphasis, questions you would like answered, and similar are also welcome. Looking forward to next month's escape from the winter doldrums.  Darryl The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (in trade paperback and eBook) http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/ Journey to Forever reviews The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html#tenhe
Yet another report, from Aimee Britten: To friends, friends I have just met and to those I look forward to meeting in future; I am delighted to provide you this personal report on a very special night (FTN). It may be fact. It may be fiction. Or, it may be a bit of both. I will leave that to you to decipher and enjoy. (And, please don't kill me if you find errors of any kind. Cheers.) As a freelancer, I found the evening was very energizing and that it ended far too early. Everyone was animated. The atmosphere was celebratory and the conversation delightfully rich with anecdotes, opinion and philosophy. However alas, I do understand that some sleep is required for good health. Our great conversations, debates and musings will continue at the next FTN. Of that, I am certain. We exchanged lingering goodbyes before quickly dispersing towards our vehicles and starting our individual journeys homeward. The dark sky wrapped its thick cloak around us. The crisp winter air was in sharp contrast to the deep warmth of the preceding hours, spent with kindred spirits and new friends. On the trip home, I reflected on the evening: A dozen people attended the First Tuesday Night of 2010 and it was a resounding success by all accounts. A decidedly unscientific poll of those seated close by revealed that, without exception, each person thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The choice of restaurant was inspired. Location, parking and public transportation access are good. Inside, Monkey Joe’s is whimsical with a kitschy decor style and extensive pub-family menu. The food was great. The service was welcoming and friendly. The ambient noise level was low, particularly compared to that of Eastside Mario’s. Our group was tucked into a comfortable nook that offered a certain intimacy and "freedom of expression." We could actually engage in audible conversations, without screaming over loud restaurant noises, clattering dishes, pots and cutlery, on top of chatter and shouts of other customers trying to speak to each other. Of course, the best parts of the evening were the wonderful company and the fantastical, dynamic conversations throughout. Seated at a long rectangular table, it was not possible to speak with everyone. However, everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. At our end, many topics were discussed, freely, fervently and if needed, with reckless abandon and ignoring political correctness. No subject was off limits, from writer’s challenges to history, politics and cultural dilemmas. We also spoke of current projects, goals and various aspirations. The men were occasionally boisterous and the ladies also, especially me. (For those who haven't noticed, I love to talk and talk and talk-- particularly to grownups!) Paul regaled us with tales of adventure. Pandora revealed her challenges and quest to complete “the novel.” Dorothyanne appeared to enjoy her first FTN and from the snippets of conversation that I caught from time to time, Bobbi and Roselynn shared their knowledge, guidance and invaluable wisdom. In addition to describing their current pursuits in the world of writing/communications, Darryl and Ron appeared to enjoy political and cultural discussions. I also noted that after several unsuccessful attempts, Patrick abandoned thoughts of organizing the evening into a structured meeting. Subjects of conversation materialized from tangents and heartfelt opinions were soundly dissected, even if only for a few minutes. Not surprisingly, many words were used; many words were misused; many others were abused; while others still were confused... I loved it all! And so to all those who gathered on a chilly winter night that was the first Tuesday night of January 2010, thank you for a lovely time. I look forward to seeing you again at the next FTN, along with more members of the writer’s list. If I misspelled your name, please let me know; or failed to mention those who sat at the other end of the table, kindly accept my humble apologies. Your presence and positive spirit were essential to a very fine evening. I look forward to our next get-together.  Also importantly, I want
to thank you, Patrick. Without you, there would be no FTN in the first place.Best wishes to all for 2010. Aimee (Aimee Britten aimeebritten@hotmail.com Consultant, Writer and Film Maker) |
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| The November FTN - November 3, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The FTN revived! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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And so it appears that the FTN is back! |
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| A Little History - How did the FTN start? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over the 15 years that Patrick Meikle taught Freelancing
For Magazines, many of the participants in wanted to keep in touch, and so the First
Tuesday Networking sessions started about 1991. We gathered in many locations and saw many people come and
go. However a mainstay core met continuously for about twelve years. This "board of directors" as they
came to be known, welcomed new people on the first Tuesday of every month. Then back in 2004 due to personal commitments
Patrick was no longer able to organize the FTN sessions. No one else took on the task and so the monthly event
quietly retired, until its revival in 2009. |
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| Early pictures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Bumpers - Original FTN location, closes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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According to a recent Citizen story, Bumper's Roadhouse closed last week. It was located at 580 Bank Street,
just south of the Queensway.
The original FTN was an extension of my freelance writing class when a few class participants wanted to continue
meeting to keep up the interest and momentum. Ironically, the two guys who were so enthusiastic came to the first
session and never returned. |
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(From
Patrick)
The FTN is back thanks to a
July 2009 suggestion from Ray Gompf, a regular in the early years, who wrote through the 
So we put out the call
for the first Tuesday in August and we got 12 people out.
We
can't promise you any raging work opportunities but the group dynamics is interesting and different each time out
and over the years many of the people have formed new friendships and some have found the networking has often
produced good leads, helpful information and occasional markets. It's what you make it! (See some of original
crew 
"Thanks for the heartfelt
memories. I recall that the original Bumpers had a special quality, or aura, like the Prescott. But maybe aura
is not a word to describe a grubby bar, ha ha."
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If you want to keep abreast of many other Ottawa-related writing events, sign up for the FREE |
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