Karen Strunks Professional Birmingham-based Freelance Photographer

The Birmingham Twitter Flash Mob

Today was the day of the Birmingham Twitter Flash Mob.

Announcements had been made, tweets had been tweeted and re-tweeted in the build up to the big day.

And then as the hour approached I thought…..

“What if nobody turns up?!!”

But there was no going back now.

The plans were to meet at St Phillip’s Cathedral in the city centre at 11.45.

I met my mum earlier in the morning and we got to St Phillips at around 11.30. No sign of anyone yet – but there was still time to go so no need to panic.

My mum and I took the opportunity to pop into the cathedral and light a candle. I lit two candles – one for me (haha) and that this crazy idea would work – and the other for all the twitterers I was praying would turn up! I am not a religious person and felt a little guilty for bothering God for a one-off request

We ventured tentatively back outside. Still no-one. As much as I love my mother – one mother does not a flash mob make.

So I felt much relief when a small gathering of tweeters began to…., um…..gather.

When I was sure no-one else was going to turn up, I told the flash mobbers the plan; to wander over to the floozy in the jacuzzi and upon my signal (3 blasts on my super shiny silver whistle) hold up their lovely signs for 2 or 3 minutes.

My mum with Brian

Friend of Kerrang Radio

Amy Jones from Kerrang

Alana Ellis from Kerrang chats with a passer by who enquired about the event.

My mum made a friend

Nicky Getgood

Micheal Grimes

left to right – Brian, my mum Margaret, Amy Jone, Alana Ellis, Nicky Getgood, Viki Green, Michael Grimes

Brian had the great idea of having everyone sign a Twitter Flash Mob poster.

There were also some peeps who lent their support, but were ‘behind the scenes’ so to speak. Mark Steadman from Bluemilkshake filmed the event, Andy from 383 Project, Mark Holloway my photography tutor and Mike Hughs, Executive Editor of the Birmingham Post who sent a photojournalist along to cover the event. Watch this blog post as it will be updated soon with a video of the event.  

A HUGE thank you to

My mum – Created In Eire – @createdineire

Mark Steadman – Bluemilkshake – @marksteadman

Viki Green – @tickvg & Nick Booth – @podnosh

Nicky Getgood – Digbeth Is Good – @getgood

Michael Grimes – Citizensheep – @citizensheep

Brian – @myjq

Mike Hughes – Birmingham Post – @mikehughes

Andrew Yates – 383project - @andy383

Alana Ellis & Amy Jones & friend from Kerrang Radio - @kerrangradio

Kerrang Radio really took to the idea of the twitter flash mob and interviewed me for their station. They also put a link to their website and tweeted about the event as well as making some cools signs and turning up at the flash mob.

Again, a BIG thank you to everyone above.

And a BIG thank you to all my twitter friends (twiends) for their support and for putting up with my endless tweets about the event and for spreading the word.

You all rock!

After a big build up and a few last minute nerves, I am really happy at how the flash mob went. The idea was born out of my love for twitter, and my explorations into social media. I wanted to use social media tools (twitter, my blog and youtube in this instance) to create a fun event where people online could connect in person. If you want to know more about where the idea came from, this post will give you some more insight.

This was my first time organising anything like this, and I’ve learnt a lot; about the generosity of people, how much preparation needs to happen, public speaking(!), liaising with the media, what to include and do next time.

Would I do it again? YES! Same time next year – see you there!

Happy Twittering!

Follow me on twitter – @karenstrunks