Kevin Freitas

Kevin Freitas, who specializes in web application development currently works for a company called site crafting. He certainly has a passion for the web as he has created multiple websites including kevinfreitas.net and the most interesting, Feed Tacoma. The website, Feed Tacoma, acts as a community resource made possible by Tacoma residents and other people who are interested in the area. The website enables people of Tacoma to blog about new restaurants, construction projects, and other important events that occur in Tacoma. As Kevin was speaking about his creation to our Living in a Virtual World class at UWT he explained how the blogs "equalize voices" as people spill their feelings about the community that they know and love so much. As the city changes and goes through periods of gentrification, city residents are sure to have a say about their home town; this website provides a way for the people of Tacoma to communicate about something they all have in common, their love for Tacoma. The website not only offers the blogging, there is much more. For instance, small Tacoma shops and boutiques are able to post pictures of goods that they offer and prices are included, its almost as if people can virtually shop in Tacoma. This allows for businesses to have a unique marketing strategy and for shoppers to have the convenience of knowing which store fits them best. Interestingly enough, Feed Tacoma is also a place where you can get to know people who have similar interests as you. Kevin mentioned he has run into some of his blog commenters in local bars or restaurants and has made friends with some of these random encounters.
So Feed Tacoma not only serves as a website to learn more about whats happening in your local community, it can lead you to finding the best places to picnic, to the boutique that is unique to fit your style. Feed Tacoma also brings the community together in a sort of festival sense. Also the people who blog and post comments on the website have made friends through this connection. Feed Tacoma has been a success for the Tacoma community, making residents more aware of whats happening in their town, therefore, every town/city should have a feed site.