Pittsburgh Guidebook

Concept:

A summary of the idea, the needs it serves, and a description of a possible pilot program

It's not just tourists and college students who need a guide to Pittsburgh's many fascinating places. As a city of distinct and often disconnected neighborhoods, there is a lot about Pittsburgh that even life-long Pittsburghers don't know. A series of guidebooks, compiled and reviewed by an independent consortium including submissions from everyday Pittsburghers, would give people a fresh perspective on their city, encourage new exploration, and reveal the hidden history and culture that unites Pittsburgh's disparate parts into one hometown.

A pilot guidebook should be suitable for use on the go: pocket-sized with quick indexing maps and descriptions. The book could be organized geographically and then by theme (i.e. "Historical places in the West End"), or several small books could be developed to cover a number of geographies and themes.

Sites, experiences, and businesses could be reviewed and rated, but should be independent from the influence of advertising. The guide should be descriptive, conscious of seasonal patterns, and offer travel directions, and suggestions for further exploration.

The guidebook should be suitable and engaging for both tourists and resident Pittsburghers.

Priorities:

These ideals are integral to a successful project design

• encouraging people to seek out new experiences
• helping new Pittsburghers and young people get acquainted with their city
• improving the image of Pittsburgh to newcomers and tourists

Concerns:

Possible difficulties, pitfalls, and obstacles to consider

• securing funding without resorting to advertising-space
• structuring and supporting an organization to manage compiling information, book design, editing, printing and distribution, and periodic content updates

Idea History:

Learn more about the idea, from genesis to dialogue

This concept is a composite of The Pittsburgh Factoid Book from room 524 and Where 2 Go 2 from room 523.

The Pittsburgh Factoid Book was Lucia M.'s idea for a guidebook designed specifically for young people and newcomers to Pittsburgh, her concept was to educate Pittsburghers about the hidden aspects that they might miss in their own city. She also mentioned including a ‘Jeopardy' style trivia game in the book.

Where 2 Go 2 was led by Lissa Rosenthal, Anne Lopez, Michael Pelas, Paul Stewart, and Mark Rauterkus in room 523. Their idea consisted of a series of themed and portable books geared towards Pittsburgh's new residents and tourists and included a ‘searchable online component.'

Related Links:

Get to know these groups, organizations, projects, and authorities, their current and past activities, the possibility for consultation or partnership, and in-roads to collaboration.

• Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation
• MapHub
• Visit Pittsburgh

General Questions:

These important questions are asked of each idea. Try your hand at answering them as a way to explore the idea and how to make it happen. Answers to these questions help to demonstrate the Idea's strength and potential for success.

1. What level is the idea at? (Research, Planning, Fundraising, Advocacy, Deployment, other (explain))
2. What is a reasonable next step/phase for the concept? How can investment move the idea forward?
3. What other resources or opportunities are available or necessary to make the idea happen?
4. What existing activities or organizations in Pittsburgh duplicate some or all of the program components? How can this idea compete with, complement, and/or learn from these other activities?
5. Who should be included in this discussion? Does the concept call for outside consultation or assistance from other organizations?
6. How should the idea be promoted?
7. How should project success be measured?
8. What questions should be asked of a proposal for this project?

Starter Questions:

These questions address some of the anticipated programmatic concerns that come with administering small projects. Consider them test questions for model projects-- responses should be incorporated into the project's design.

1. How would information be collected and rated?
2. Who is the target audience and how will the guidebook serve multiple audiences?
3. How large will the pilot printing be?
4. How and where would books be distributed? Will it be sold for money?
5. What promotional aspects will be included? Coupons? Vouchers? Transit tickets?
6. What will be the pilot geographic focus and theme?