Jarah Euston, founder and editor of FresnoFamous.com, has been seen on the cover of the Los Angeles Times and just finished serving on the Fresno Creative Economy Council. Her site launched a new look last month and she says it is more interactive than ever. The Beehive caught up with her on Instant Messanger this week to discuss Famous' role in Fresno. A transcript of our chat follows.

WillinFresno (10:08:12 AM): You said last April in an interview with The Beehive that the "idea with Fresno Famous was that Fresno needed an alternative weekly, less so for like news stories and more so for like entertainment listings, just to find out what was going on in town. But now that we're here, I think that it serves kind of a purpose, to maybe keep Fresno media on its toes, a little bit." Do you think you've accomplished that?

fresnofamous (10:11:10 AM): I think we've become a great resource for entertainment, for music, arts, and cultural events and activities around town, and I think that might have contributed to other outlets looking to cover entertainment more. I also think we've been able to highlight, or tie together stories, that other outlets don't have time for.

WillinFresno (10:11:50 AM): Example.

fresnofamous (10:16:11 AM): One story that generated a lot of attention was the Coconut Club/Reel Pride film festival debacle. There was serious controversy as to why the Coconut Club rescinded its sponsorship of the festival. That was a big deal to foodies, film lovers, and people concerned about tolerance. I think we were the only ones talking about it in public.

WillinFresno (10:20:57 AM): Are there any goals that Famous hasn't met yet?

fresnofamous (10:23:04 AM): We haven't cracked the church pancake breakfast market yet. There are still lots of events out there that need to find their way to our calendar.

WillinFresno (10:24:53 AM): Despite not hitting that demographic, would you say it's safe to say that Famous has arrived? Especially on the heels of the revamped Web site and the recent publicity in such publications as the Los Angeles Times?

fresnofamous (10:26:44 AM): I think we're getting there. Our goal is to be a true community site, and there are sections of our community that aren't being represented. I'll say "we've arrived" when I see a blog post in Hmong.

WillinFresno (10:27:18 AM): How's the new site working out?

fresnofamous (10:30:03 AM): It's been great. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're enjoying all the activity and conversation that's happening. With the new site anyone can post their own events directly to the calendar, create their own blog to write about favorite restaurants, music, or other issues relating to Fresno, and post their own articles and photos. Content's been reorganized and is much easier to find.

WillinFresno (10:36:17 AM): The new site has helped community members connect more easily. What's the next project Famous is undertaking to build the site?

fresnofamous (10:42:09 AM): We're still fine tuning the new site, listing to user feedback and making changes. Next on our plate is figuring out ways to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. Famous users have really expressed a desire to support local business, and we think we're in a good position to help.

fresnofamous (10:42:25 AM): and...

fresnofamous (10:43:09 AM): We've had about 500 blog posts, articles, comments, and events submitted to the site since we launched two and a half weeks ago.

WillinFresno (10:44:06 AM): Do you have a target number in mind for posts/reader-generated content?

fresnofamous (10:46:23 AM): No, but I'm very happy with now quickly people have taken to sharing their content. New blogs are being created every day, and we're learning about all kinds of different events.

WillinFresno (10:47:10 AM): How did it work before? Was it mainly you posting content with a few freelancers?

fresnofamous (10:48:41 AM): Before we still had contributions from the community at large, but they had to email their stories and we would post them. Not very efficient, and kind of a hassle for the writer. Now they can do it directly on the site, and maintain ownership and control over their content.

WillinFresno (10:48:57 AM): No editing.

fresnofamous (10:51:27 AM): No, we don't touch your content. Users agree by registering not to post offensive, deliberately false, or harmful information to the site. We rely on community policing to flag questionable content, and if it violates our terms of service it will be removed and the user could be banned. We encourage writers to disclose any relevant information -- that they're writing about their best friend, say. Transparency is very important to us.

WillinFresno (10:54:05 AM): So the theory is, Reader A posts about friend's band, per se, and band members are checking the site, the band's fans are checking the site, random people are learning about the band and then posting about something else. Everyone is going to Famous to get the information. Is that the idea?

fresnofamous (10:56:39 AM): Sure, or to learn where they can get more information. If you see a blog post about an art show that's getting good comments, maybe you'll check out the artist's web site, or check out the show yourself. We'd really like to motivate people to go out and explore the city, because Fresno has a lot to offer.

WillinFresno (10:57:42 AM): So your main agenda basically is to get people interested in Fresno?

fresnofamous (11:00:41 AM): Our goal is to capture and organize all the good things about Fresno, in one easy-to-find location. Everyone has their favorite spot, their favorite restaurant, something in Fresno they are passionate about. We want to encourage people to share that information with others. There's no need to wait for "the media" to discover it and publicize it -- people can do that on their own. The Internet makes distributing information to large numbers of people much easier. We want to use it to help make Fresno a more enjoyable place to live.

WillinFresno (11:03:44 AM): Coming from a print journalism world, in which editors decide which content makes the cut, this community-based information concept is blowing my mind. We spoke before about how blogs serve as niche publications of sorts when you came to The Bee to serve on a bloggers' panel. Is the direction that Famous is going in an example of where information consumers are headed?

fresnofamous (11:08:09 AM): It's definitely where information creators are headed. We're not just information consumers anymore, anyone can easily and freely share their thoughts, opinion, news, music, art, recipes, classifieds, or whatever else online. And that's adding a lot more nuance and texture to our collective narrative. Reading Fresno Famous gives you a much different view of Fresno than say reading the Bee, or any other news media. Not better or worse I'd argue, just different.

WillinFresno (11:12:28 AM): You encourage participation, but not everyone has a wiki mindset. I'm sure there are followers of your site who are wallflowers. Are you hoping their habits change as the technology gets easier? Or do you need numbers like every other publication that seeks advertising dollars to stay afloat?

fresnofamous (11:17:51 AM): If it were up to me, everyone would have a blog, and I don't mean on Fresno Famous. There can never be too much information. While I'd love it if all our users sometimes posted content, there's nothing wrong with just reading other people's stuff! And yes we are just like every other publication in that we need an audience to continue our efforts. I think we have a good one.

WillinFresno (11:18:16 AM): Seen any increase in advertisers knocking on your door since the new launch?

fresnofamous (11:19:27 AM): Yes, we've had a good response.

WillinFresno (11:20:49 AM): So Famous is off the ground and closing in on two years. It appears to be a success. What's next for Jarah? Any other projects?

fresnofamous (11:26:25 AM): It will be two years in April. We're going to keep working on building the brand, expanding our functionality, and reaching out to different communities. I'll be continuing my quest for good vegetarian food in Fresno and trying to get outside more.

WillinFresno (11:27:36 AM): Does this mean you are in Fresno for the long haul? Or is there a possibility of Jarah leaving again?

fresnofamous (11:28:42 AM): I don't have any plans to move right now, but never say never. I'm really enjoying my life here right now.

WillinFresno (11:31:07 AM): Last question, Jarah. You seem more interested in making Fresno a better place to live -- especially for young people -- than anyone else I've met. There are problems in the city, and you always seem to have a good answer for them. So, why not Jarah for mayor?

fresnofamous (11:32:02 AM): You're nuts!

WillinFresno (11:32:28 AM): I think our readers would be interested.

fresnofamous (11:34:20 AM): I guess that's not much of an answer. Being Mayor is a tough gig, and I don't think I've got the experience necessary to make a good one. After I've retired from the Famous empire and am looking for a campaign manager, maybe I'll give you a call.

WillinFresno (11:35:50 AM): Just call me your Josh Lyman.

fresnofamous (11:36:02 AM): Will do.

WillinFresno (11:36:15 AM): Thanks for your time, Jarah.

fresnofamous (11:36:33 AM): Thank you!

Editor's note: The following is a series of follow-up questions with Jarah the next day. The timestamp is in military time.

[15:32] WillinFresno: So what do you really think of Mayor Alan Autry?

[15:35] fresnofamous: Before I had any personal interaction with the mayor my views were, let's say, mixed. I disagreed strongly with his traditional marriage celebration on the steps of city hall. I was a little skeptical of his "down home charm." But after serving on the CEC and seeing how whole-heartedly he's embraced the recommendations, my opinion is largely positive of his leadership.

[15:36] fresnofamous: I may not agree with all of his policies, or some of his more conservative views, but I think he's a lot smarter than most people give him credit for and he really does have Fresno's best interest at heart.

[15:40] WillinFresno: So you're on the CEC ... what's the latest with that? Is that done? How was your experience? What do you see as Famous' role in all that?

[15:43] fresnofamous: The report is done and can be downloaded at fresnocec.org. We've presented it to the Mayor, who backed it 100% and instructed his staff to start making implementation recommendations. Right now the CEC is making presentations to community groups, and the report will go before council in February for adoption. The experience has been enjoyable -- we met with lots of people who are making a difference in the community. I think Famous has been able to tap into a different audience. One that still cares about civic issues but isn't part of your Chamber of Commerce crowd.

[15:45] WillinFresno: Whats it like to be on all these councils and panels? That your profile has risen in Fresno and you're kinda becoming famous yourself? Did you ever imagine that?

[15:48] fresnofamous: Uhm, I don't know about that. When I go to a bar I still have to pay for my own drinks, can you believe that? I've still got a ways to go. Being involved in these civic groups is time consuming, but I'm not the type of person who can just sit around and do nothing, so it suits me fine.

[15:49] WillinFresno: Does making your own schedule with Famous help in your newfound civic involvements?

[15:51] fresnofamous: Yeah, I don't know how you could be this much of a busy body if you weren't the boss.

[15:52] WillinFresno: So you say the response to Famous' site was overwhelming positive as far as allowing contributions ... any knocks on the design itself? New navigation system getting any flak?

[15:53] fresnofamous: Have you perhaps been reading the forums?

[15:53] WillinFresno: I'm a man about town, Jarah. So much so that you should make me a Famous Fresnan. But I hear things.

[15:54] WillinFresno: My question is how do you take it?

[15:54] WillinFresno: It's new, you're excited.

[15:54] WillinFresno: Any plans on making the public happy? Uh, happier?

[15:57] fresnofamous: We've gone through a half dozen redesigns since we launched, always trying to add new features and improve usability. We think every one's been an improvement, but invariably we'll get a few people that say, "this new stuff is garbage!" Some of that is because it's new and the thing they liked and were used to has changed. Some people will get over it, and some just won't like it.

[15:58] WillinFresno: But the content drives the site, right? People will stick around because of the meat and potatoes, not the plate they're served on.

[15:58] fresnofamous: We take all the feedback seriously, and most of the feedback we've heard has been things that are on our list.

[15:59] fresnofamous: Design is very important, but yes, content is the driver.

[16:03] WillinFresno: What are you reading? Sites, blogs? You help provide info about Fresno, but where does Jarah go for info?

[16:05] fresnofamous: I've got 170 RSS feeds I go to first for information. I'm always monitoring blogs and other news sites for info.

[16:10] fresnofamous: Also keep track of what the younger folk are doing on MySpace and LiveJournal.

[16:11] WillinFresno: Whats the best-case scenario for Fresno? Can we reach it in 10 years?

[16:14] fresnofamous: Think of what's happened since 1996: River Park, Hwy 180, Sunnyside ... there's been a lot of growth and progress, some of it in a good direction, some not. I think it's possible to have a thriving downtown, a city that no one calls "boring" in 10 years. But it's going to take a radical shift and I'm not quite sure we're there yet.

[16:14] WillinFresno: Well, keep us posted on the progress.

[16:16] fresnofamous: We'll try, but we can't do it without the community filling us in. That's what Fresno Famous is for.

[16:16] WillinFresno: Nicely done. Keep plugging away.

Related links:
To read former Beehiver Matt Thompson's interview with Jarah Euston, go here.

To see the video of The Fresno Bee's panel on blogging, go here.

To read The Bee's Donald Munro's column after the Reel Pride-Coconut Club controversy, go here.

The Los Angeles Times' article on Fresno's "brain drain" can be found here.

Check out Jarah's other blog, Spontaneous Orders.