internet : Featured Stories

BmoreMedia takes a look at three Baltimore area startups that promise to revolutionize how we plan meals, meet people who share common interests and present academic information. 

Join artists, intellectuals, public health officials and innovators as they explore ways to reenergize the urban lanscape in Baltimore.  It takes place Jan. 25 at Morgan State University. 

Participate in networking events, lectures and conferences that celebrate innovation in Baltimore's tech community. 

Friends of the Web is a company whose name describes it well -- four best friends taking on web design and product development. Instead of carving out what would certainly be a difficult path in the tech world of Silicon Valley, Friends operates out of a rowhouse in Fells Point, where the 20-somethings work, eat, and sleep. A recipe for disaster? Try a formula for success.

New Media has always been only as important as its users make it. Certainly there's marginal value in a Twitter post about a great new restaurant or a Facebook pic of a birthday party. Such things, however, do little to add lasting value. In Baltimore and elsewhere there are people facing serious health troubles and finding in blogs, Facebook, and other online outlets a chance to build communities that wouldn't have been possible a decade ago. Here, Bmore Media's Katharine Schildt tracks down some of their stories.

The tech scene in Baltimore has been on quite a run over the past few years (in case you missed it). One of many reasons why is the emergence of a highly motivated crop of young entrepreneurs. Meet Mike Brenner, one such Baltimorean. While you may not know his name, chances are you know at least one of his many projects. Bmore Media sat down with him to learn more.

How many of us have thought of a way to improve a device or tool we use? Problem is most of us let the idea slip away and then kick ourselves when we see a finished product that's eerily similar to our idea on store shelves. Patrick Mish of M-Edge Accessories took the road less traveled. And now he, his wife, and a small group of their friends are covering iPads, Nooks, and Kindles.

It's a classic Baltimore tale of success. Joe Weaver decided to give up his day job with Price Waterhouse and follow his vison to create a company where technology and design would meet. His gamble paid off. Now his company, Global Design Interactive, has become a well-respected interactive marketing and communications firm.