The Tweetup: how Twitter brings people together IRL

  … that's 'in real life' for anyone not au fait with the myriad acronyms of early internet community days. OK, that's probably most people, so I'll shut up with the geek-speak now.

Seriously though, those who still complain about how online communication is replacing "real" conversation, and how alienating it all is, need to get along to a Tweetup.

Last night's Lewes tweetup was actually the fourth that's taken place (as far as I know) and around 20 people showed up. Loosely organised by @mrmzholland (although he denies any organising, it does take somebody to choose a venue, announce the date and get people to pass on the message. Plus, Matt did come along with a nifty Twitter table setting…)

I really enjoyed the conversation and the opportunity of meeting a diverse bunch of people who live and/or work in Lewes, many of whom I'd never met before and who are involved in really sparky, interesting things, from Lewes FC to interior design, from journalism to education, from politics to poetry.

And far as I could see, all of us capable of 'real conversation' without a computer in sight (although a number of iPhones).

Thanks to everyone for coming, let me know if I've missed anyone: @stevegphoto, @joemattinson, @penelopepparker, @lewespeople, @archelina, @janemlee, @sarah_lady, @robkread, @mrmzholland, @mark_head, @lewesSkeptics, @leilanimitchel, @aguilarinterior, @gareththesoutie, @nickcloke, @barmyrob,@bananaoffice, @federay, @pelhamarmslewes, @mccauleyphotos and @ianeiloart.

Photo credit – many thanks to Ashley Price (@bananaoffice)