Jason Piasecki,
president of ImageQuest Design, has launched
a free Web site, InsideMuskegon.com,
which features weekly “podcasts” and a web log (or blog)
on which to share opinions.
Podcasting
is the distribution of audio and video programs through the Internet.
The files are usually in the form of MP3 audio and can be played
on an MP3 player after being downloaded.
“It is a weekly podcast
that hopes to go and find the answers to questions people have about
issues that are happening here in Muskegon,”
Piasecki said.
Piasecki said he hears people talking about
the issues in Muskegon,
but he feels many are not getting the answers they need from traditional
media sources.
“Podcasting
is a great way to bridge the gap and get those answers out there
to people,” he said.
With the podcasts
covering issues from business to education, Piasecki said he hopes
that people will become more aware of what is happening in Muskegon
and also become more involved.
“People are working hard and there
are some advocates for the Muskegon
area,” he said. “It’s kind of easy to sit back
and complain about it, but if you want to solve a problem, you really
need to be part of the solution.”
The interviews so far have featured Muskegon
Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Larsen and Muskegon Area
First President and CEO Jim Edmonson. A new interview available
today is with Muskegon Main Street Manager Dan Rinsema-Sybenga.
Each is 15 to 20 minutes long. Piasecki said he would also like
to have community leaders and politicians answer questions that
people may post on the blog.
Piasecki said so far he has been happy with
the feedback and is trying his best to make the content interesting.
“I’ve had a lot of fun doing
it,” he said.
Larsen said she is excited to be a part
of the program.
“I think that being able to get a
message out globally is just so exciting,” she said. “It’s
another example of how we’re moving into the information technology
economy.”
Larsen said the program is an entrepreneurial
move for Piasecki and a way for Muskegon
residents and those interested in Muskegon
to stay informed.
“It’s a great way to get out
information that’s not typically covered by the mainstream
media,” she said. “It allows people to get in-depth
information about our community, and it allows people to ask questions.”
BJX