Pure Visibility is proud to have co-sponsored ArbCamp, a meeting of students, coders, designers, entrepreneurs, newbies, and experts.

ArbCamp was an “unconference“, modeled on Open Space Technology, with sessions self-organized by the participants on the day of the event. Given the nature of the event, the schedule was created and recreated several times, but here is a sample photo showing one iteration of the schedule.

Initial Session Lineup, originally uploaded by heidigoseek.

Essentially, the themes were (in no particular order) social media, blogging, search engine optimization, online communities, technology, outsourching, internet marketing, arborWiki, photography, start ups, geography, data standards, parenting, and lunch. The day was capped by a keynote by Joseph Jaffe.

Most importantly, it got a diverse group of folks meeting each other, making connections, and reinforcing that we do have vibrant community of creative folks here in the midwest. A highlight for me was interacting with the students, from University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, Kettering University, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and U of D Jesuit High School.

Want to learn more? Try arbcamp.jaiku.com for photos, blog entries, and links about ArbCamp.

One of my favorite things about the Pure Visibility team is that many of us walk, bike, and bus to work.

Since we’ve moved from the Pineapple Building (on Depot Street) to the First National Building (201 S. Main Street), we’re now within the boundaries of getDowntown’s Go! Pass, an inexpensive yearly bus pass for downtown commuters. But, even before our move and access to the bus passes, I was struck by the team’s commitment to low impact, low hassle commuting.

Yes, we do use cars to go to client meetings. Yes, our team includes folks who do drive to work. Still, there’s something wonderful about our group of dedicated pedestrians and the support we get from each other to make it work.

Nancy Shore of getDowntown had similar thoughts in her post Pure Visibility et al. are super commuters.

I joined Pure Visibility in June, 2007 as the new Director of Happiness. After I broadcast my new title via LinkedIn and after the press release was picked up locally, I’ve had lots of questions.

Who coined the title?

Linda Girard, Pure Visibility’s Visionary and Co-Founder, dropped into the chair next to me sometime in my first week and tossed it out as an idea. We hadn’t settled on a title during the negotiations, Director of Customer Service was a possibility, as was Ombudsman. I also liked the ring and gender-confusion of Ombudsman, but the meaning of it is addressing complaints. The goal of Director of Happiness is to prevent complaints in the first place. I have to say that I was instantly charmed by Director of Happiness, and its luster has not yet worn off, despite some gentle mocking from more cynical friends and colleagues. Read More