The concepts of listening to the groundswell, talking with the groundswell, energizing the groundswell, and embracing the groundswell create a base of people from which companies can learn things. Once this base is established, it is manageable to talk with these people and encourage a participatory culture (Henry Jenkins) (pg. 164), which means the consumers CONSUME and CREATE. The 'base' creators/consumers create this conversation and dialogue (pg. 167).
A second point that I found particularly important
was Li’s and Bernoff’s reflection on TJ and Michelle’s battle with having their
twins. It is incredible how supportive CarePages was for these two, and finally
after 75 entries, on June 7, 2007, they brought the twins home (pg. 157).
TJ, Michelle, AND their community were devoted to
this forum, and it gave all a resource for support. This story was so
compelling because it was a transition from the ‘profit’ approach I generally
take to how social media is beneficial. Although not lengthy, this part of the
book was extremely thought provoking, and made me think of the vast and
PERSONAL connection that social media can produce. It’s all about people
knowing what’s on their finger-tips, and becoming those creators.
The last point I want to bring up is about the
author’s explanation of Twitter. I have been waiting for this…
This is where I admit, formally, on this blog and
forum, that I do not use Twitter. I have recognized how people really do it,
and don’t think anything against them, but haven’t seen a use for me. Today this all changes.
 |
| This is me, Katrina Fryklund, finally signing up for Twitter! |
After reading this chapter, however, made me realize
that it’s okay if I do not like Twitter personally, but the fact is, it can be used for many objectives (pg.
201). I have recognized that Twitter can be used for professionals and
businesses, but up until this point I have not thought that it was important
for me to use it. By getting used to the format, it will only help me as I
graduate school, and aim to become a professional.
Twitter is so important, because the Creators, on
the Social Technographics Ladder,
are the ones that use this devise. Even though only 7% of people on the
Internet use Twitter, those are the people that you want to reach out to, and
the people that will give you information that can only help a company improve.
The Creators on Twitter are the ones that are going to tell you a zipper does
not work, or that a lid is inconvenient to use. Hash tags allow for specific
searches that can relate to your business directly, and mostly, Twitter enables
that back and forth conversation.
As I end this blog post, thinking about this mom
and her love of McDonald’s because of one simple “Wolverine” toy, I can’t help
but think of Rose’s example in class regarding her friend and Milano cookies.
Maybe if I get a Twitter, I can get a personal stash of Milano’s! Just kidding,
but on a serious note- the professional potential of twitter, totally separate
from that of private interests, are almost immeasurable.
I like how you tied the idea of creating a Wiki into your own work with a non-profit. You seem to have taken Li and Bernoff's advice and know that it is important to make sure the technology is something your community will be able to effectively use. I agree that you should wait until you have a strong base formed, otherwise your Wiki could fail prematurely and would be a waste of time and effort. Maybe now stick with something easier to engage your audience (maybe Twitter now that you've jumped on the bandwagon).
ReplyDeleteThe example of the couple who struggled to bring their babies to term and the ensuing medical crisis as they were born prematurely was a powerful one. I had no idea that hospitals were using this type of blog system to support families. I know from personal experience how draining it is to keep family and friends in the loop when there is a medical crisis -- 19 years ago when my daughter was born, she was diagnosed with a heart defect. For the next 3 months we worked hard to get her to gain enough weight to have open heart surgery. During this process, and the subsequent recovery, it would have been such a relief to be able to keep everyone informed and receive their support via a tool like this! This example highlights the power of social media to help people, not just sell things!
ReplyDeletePaula
I too have been feeling sort of guilty about not using, or knowing how to use, twitter, so I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm thinking of creating and using an account, just so I'll know how it all works. Great post, Katrina!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Katrina. I felt the same way about Twitter until I read Katie's first blog post about it. Your post just solidifies that new knowledge for me. I think a WIKI is definitely the direction you'll want to take in your current project at some point when your team feels it is the right time. Until that time, growing your base sounds like it is what the focus needs to be for now.
ReplyDelete