Here’s an interesting story via Cecily Ruttenberg:

San Francisco based Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream has an impressive Twitter following of 310,000. Engage4Change, a new San Francisco civic engagement site, prepurchased 500 ice cream cones to offer a free ice cream to anyone participating in its efforts to collect ideas on how to make San Francisco a better place to live.

The ice cream store tweeted the offer to its followers, which resulted in a big traffic boost and lots of ideas.

It’s an interesting use of a business’s Twitter following. Instead of buying advertising in a local newspaper or radio show, Engage4Change chose ice cream and tweets. Is it an ice cream store or is it a media company? It’s both.

Engage4Change is collecting ideas until April 11 — a $250 cash prize will be awarded to the best one. Please visit and maybe vote for my idea: Discount Muni passes for car owners!

Everyone applying for a residential parking permit has to purchase a discounted Muni pass. It would encourage drivers to use Muni and even if it’s not used, it would help support public transportation and keep prices down.

[Cross-posted at Silicon Valley Watcher]