Insightful as always.

I “found” Chris Brogan only within the last couple of weeks, and have added him to my Twitter list of those who “…make me smile and think.” Trust Agents is on my list of must reads, and its a likely purchase on my next B&N excursion.

I will confess my ongoing surprise, as someone more than peripherally involved in small-town downtown revitalization, that the message you share is not more widespread and accepted among small town merchants and service providers nationwide. Yes, it is revolutionary, but it also follows good ol’ fashioned common sense – that customers respond positively to a sense of engagement and involvement. Nordstrom, Zappos and many others have long ago proved the merit of that approach. I’m just thrilled that you have translated it into the world of downtown – a place that used to capitalize on that very idea.

You are among those who have motivated me to attempt a revolution on the other end of the spectrum – to empower communities and downtown revitalization organizations to create more cohesive online markets for small-town merchants to tap, while also giving them the tools they need to do so. I have been mulling over the concept for years, but took an initial plunge some six or so months ago. Now that I have had some initial success, I have only this week decided to expand it into a more widespread effort. For me, its my “revolution.”

Again, mega thanks!

Thomas