With hopes that you will pardon the dizzyingly self-reflexive nature of this post, I wanted to share an interesting discussion going on over on Dateline:Decatur on the actual versus the virtual boundaries of what we think of as “Decatur.” Much — but not all — of the discussion on Decatur Metro centers around what goes on in 30030, the four square miles that make up the municipality we know and love. And there are many pragmatic reasons for centering our conversations within those boundaries — discourse about the zoning ordinance task force, for instance, doesn’t have a great deal of meaning outside the city limits. And there is a definite culture and identity marked by those contours, as well.

But this little exchange, which originated on Twitter, is interesting first for the map that shows how Decatur’s geography has evolved historically since the city’s founding in 1837 and further for the question of what constitutes Decatur in “cyberspace.” There’s plenty we discuss on this site (Suburban Plaza, anyone?) that lets us color outside the lines. And indeed, the mere title of this blog, “Decatur Metro,” invites an awareness of the greater beyond, so to speak. Decatur Metro regular Carl is featured in a video interview talking about how the #DecaturGA Twitter hashtag has shifted common understandings of what “Decatur” is. And he even talks about what constitutes an abuse of that hashtag.

Also, please note Carl’s snazzy summer haircut.

After conflicting rumors as to its fate AFTER some debate over a needed parking variance, Carl posted this pic on Flickr verifying that Farm Burger is indeed moving into the old Viola Voila Space on West Ponce.  There’s been a good deal of action around the space over the past 2 weeks, but they must have just put up the signs.

Farm Burger does have a website, but no menu thus far.  Just a newsletter sign-up.