
If there ever was an example of social media being used effectively by brands this is it. @Easternmntn has been talking (and I mean actually interacting) with me since January when Katie and I took their Three Day Mountaineering Course. I've been a loyal REI buyer for years, and a huge fan of Marmot, but ever since I started using twitter my image of the two has slipped a tad. It's not that there is anything wrong with their products or service - it's that they aren't "real." They don't talk back - they blast. They don't connect, they advertise. More and more of my money has been going to EMS this year, simply because I feel like they hear me when I speak.
What was just a festival became an investment for me. So here's how it went...

Friday night we met for the #NETweetup near the main stage. With bands like Rubblebucket playing in the background our small group met face to face for the first time. The party moved back to the camp ground and continued into the early hours of the morning, new friends bonding over Canadian beer. (Eh?)
That night we visited the vendor village, made friends with Petzel and Black Diamond, and listened to Gaslight Anthem play to a glowing crowd. The weather was (cold) but beautiful and I couldn't have asked for better company.
Sunday morning we cracked out of bed and went to Rumney for American Alpine Club pancakes. I think now I'll have to suck it up and join. Who can resist warm chocolate chip pancakes? We set up a few climbs on Parking Lot Wall (all named coffee-type names) while Bill, Dave and AJ attended their clinics.
A drive back out to 93, an epic dinner at Whippi Dipp, and a few sad goodbyes ended an amazing weekend.
I can't wait for next year :)
Nor'easter Festival 2010 from Aleya Littleton on Vimeo.