Plurk

675 responses to this plurk (Jump to bottom)

  • Tim Jackson
    Welcome all to the latest Plurkshop!
  • Tim Jackson
    Hopefully this will prove as educational as entertaining.
  • Beth Harte says
    Hi Tim! Looking forward to it!
  • Tim Jackson
    We're discussing Social Media and the importance of conversation tonight.
  • MackCollier says
    Guys if you are viewing this on Plurk Page, make sure you refresh it manually, or you can follow TimJackson and watch it on timeline!
  • Tim Jackson
    There has been a lot of recent debate over the issue of "Conversation vs Broadcast" communications.
  • Tim Jackson
    Many of us here have discussed this particular dynamic relative to Twitter vs Plurk.
  • Tim Jackson
    Where Plurk is viewed by many as more conversational and Twitter is seen as more of a broadcast tool.
  • MackCollier says
    Tim, Twitter feels more 'broadcast' to me lately, Plurk seems more 'social'
  • Tim Jackson
    Yes, Beth... which was brilliantly executed.
  • Tim Jackson
    Yes Mack, I would totally agree.
  • Tim Jackson
    Plurk, due to it's format or users, is more conversational.
  • Beth Harte says
    why, thank you. Amazingly, I am getting more convos on Twitter...or at least more back & forth tweets.
  • Tim Jackson
    Twitter remains more of a tool of broadcast communications.
  • JHipkin feels
    twitter is more mini blog, as advertised, vs Plurk which is conversation
  • Beth Harte says
    Tim, would you consider Twitter a traditional marketing application then?
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- I bet you are, after challenging the status qou- good for you!
  • JHipkin thinks
    Twitter can have convo like a blog w/ comments but it's not as dynamic as Plurk
  • AmberCadabra
    I feel like there's a bit of elitism on Twitter, too.
  • MackCollier says
    ok Tim I saw this happen yesterday, but I think Plurk hold great potential 4 companies as a feedback mechanism, due 2 threaded conversations
  • Beth Harte says
    But Jhipkin, the polite behavior of blogging is that you should respond to comments left. That doesn't happen on Twitter.
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- I think Twitter is very much an effective tool for broadcasting message, but less effective for engaging people.
  • servantofchaos says
    and it is much harder to follow conversation on Twitter ... esp if you don't follow all the players
  • Beth Harte says
    Twitter is like an online diary...IMHO.
  • Tim Jackson
    I agree Mack. I have certainly used those conversations to great effect on my blog.
  • AmberCadabra
    Gavin, that's so true. I find myself scrambling to summize people and follow the whole thred
  • JHipkin says
    bethharte too true, it's like a mini blog not the same. Also some broadcast which isn't bad just different
  • JHipkin says
    Twitter works better as a marketing app
  • Tim Jackson
    Here's a great example; this was our best year ever w/ Masi- 66% above our budgeted sales. I believe that SM plays a role.
  • sonnygill
    Twitter to me provides tons of info thrown at your face.
  • AmberCadabra
    I don't mind the sharing of great stuff. I mind people using it as a medium to brag about followers. *coughcoughscoblescoughcough*
  • MackCollier says
    Tim do you have ANY way of tying ANY set percentage of those sales directly back to SM?
  • Trinkit asks
    twitter works?
  • AmberCadabra
    Tim, are you tracking any feedback about how people are hearing about you?
  • MackCollier says
    I know it's VERY messy, but if you could it would be huge
  • Beth Harte says
    I had a lot of feedback that some folks don't like e-conversations. Do you think cos. would fall into that category? It's not comfortable?
  • servantofchaos says
    TimJackson of course ... with so much conversation swirling around in an ambient way there is less need to interrupt
  • Tim Jackson
    I still rely heavily on the feedback on my blog to help craft what I do with the brand- it is key to my plans.
  • acnatta says
    hey folks - looks like fun so far
  • onepinktee thinks
    broadcast isn't bad and its place
  • Trinkit says
    social media will always improve marketing. People want their friends to succeed. If you're a nameless company, noone cares.
  • AmberCadabra
    BethHArte I think opening themselves up to honest feedback that they can't ignore is a big fear factor for most cos
  • Beth Harte says
    Tim, great example. How would you begin to measure that?
  • Tim Jackson
    Mack, I can't neatly quantify my claim, BUT I do hear frequently from consumers who say they saw something on blog that inspired purchase
  • MackCollier says
    I still use Twitter to share links with my followers, that could be called broadcasting
  • AmberCadabra
    Trinkit there's a lot to be said about the way SM humanizes companies.
  • acnatta says
    don't you need something to talk about sometimes
  • MackCollier says
    Tim I have talked to Dell about this as well, they are SURE that SM has helped, but can't get a specific number
  • Beth Harte says
    AmberCadabra, agreed. But I got the sense that some people just don't like to converse online. Which is okay.
  • AmberCadabra
    MackCollier I think of broadcasting as more self promotion. Tweeting on behalf of others is more sharing, IMO
  • JHipkin says
    even in it's broadcast form it allows people / bloggers / marketers to put a personality out there
  • sonnygill
    Its meant to create transparency
  • Donna Tocci
    Tim - do people you talk with prefer one method of your SM empire over another? Blog, video, podcast, plurk etc?
  • Trinkit says
    AmberCadabra exactly, and people are -in general- good and want other people to succeed, but, a company name alone abstracts the image.
  • Beth Harte says
    Companies just can't ignore the fact that they will *need* to converse online sooner than later.
  • MackCollier says
    Amber and Andre, I get what you mean, I dont consider it really 'broadcasting' as well
  • servantofchaos asks
    so what comes first? do brands CREATE a conversation or RESPOND to one that has already started?
  • Tim Jackson
    Yes, it is very hard to find exact numbers. But I do hear from consumers, retailers, distributors and sales reps who tell of things...
  • GHollingsworth says
    JHipkin but what is a personality if there's nothing to engage with it?
  • JHipkin says
    it's often the only chance a brand has to talk to a limited degree but talk to the interested
  • Tim Jackson
    that they saw on the blog.
  • Trinkit says
    a recent trend online is the hatred of corporations and large companies. Large companies protecting themself and neglecting customers.
  • GHollingsworth says
    I think brands can initiate, but they need to listen and understand the conversation/criticism first.
  • Trinkit says
    companies that become more personal are more trustworthy as they -seem- to have the good of their customer at heart (IE they listen)
  • JHipkin says
    personality is what you create zappos has lots of personality
  • Tim Jackson
    Donna- (HI!)- I hear from all camps. People who like all, some, one. It's tough, though I think the blog is the most popular.
  • MackCollier says
    Tim have you seen any increased SM activity among your competitors?
  • miketempleton says
    I think that brands need to LISTEN and RESPOND to conversation first, then start their own later on.
  • Trinkit says
    So, when a company reveals itself as vulnerable and 'human' it does alot, social media does alot to present that.
  • acnatta says
    a big part of the conversation is listening to figure out what's going on
  • Te-ge says
    Trinkit I think in large part it's because those companies decided customer service wasn't worth the cost, and forgot the hidden cost
  • GHollingsworth says
    the hatred of corporations isn't new, it's just more vocal now with far more tools to spread the message
  • Tim Jackson
    Gavin- PERFECT question! A great way to start is to get involved in a conversation and grow from there. My friend Donna knows about that.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg two sides to it really, but, software is a great example of why there's a lot of distrust versus companies.
  • servantofchaos says
    bethharte ... so with TimJackson -- how did that start? Was it MasiGuy first or was it responding to already active discussion/need
  • JHipkin says
    listening is important for sure but engagement makes it work
  • miketempleton says
    people are already talking about companies, so now its their responsibility to listen, share and converse with those people.
  • onepinktee thinks
    some brands do pseudo-conversation like SWA on Twitter
  • Tim Jackson
    Mack- yes, there has been a little growth in the industry, but it is still very small so far.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg EA is a large game company, that distributes PC games with rather horrible DRM, legit users suffer the DRM, the pirates that steal
  • onepinktee thinks
    but SWA has shown me they only half-listen
  • GHollingsworth says
    corporate transparency builds trust in a brand, it breeds believability in that brands message
  • MackCollier says
    Gavin I can state that I had never heard of Masi until I met Tim
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg get unhampered gameplay without the yucky DRM. So the company abuses it's customer base while not inconveniencing the people they're
  • Tim Jackson
    However, I have been asked to be a panelist in some seminars at our industry tradeshow to introduce SM to more people. Many have no idea.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg trying to protect themself from. They distance themselves from their actual customers and are just seen as a huge company serving
  • acnatta asks
    is there a magic formula as to how much we should be listening before talking TimJackson?
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg themselves. Stardock is another company, they converse, talk and interact with their customers.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, and they're doing quite well for themselves even in the hostile atmosphere of piracy.
  • nowsourcing says
    hey all. I'm going to go against the grain and say that Twitter isn't going anywhere soon. It's got an audience...
  • servantofchaos says
    MackCollier ... so it comes back to the personal brand being on loan to the corporate brand
  • Te-ge says
    Trink now you're talking about one of my soapbox issues! It's also why I will not buy anything made by Sony!
  • MackCollier says
    Tim I still think that many are completely clueless about SM. We are still the 1 percenters
  • nowsourcing says
    not only that, but when you couple it with good client and search tools, it is much improved. I still learn lots about my brand there.
  • Te-ge
    remembers that autocomplete doesn't work during Plurkshops.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg We're on the same boat on that then. I refuse to be punished for paying for something.
  • Tim Jackson
    Greg- YES! That is a big thing in my opinion. Keeping the marketing spew to a minimum and just engaging people is better long term strategy
  • GHollingsworth says
    in my experience a lot of it stems from paranoia and not wanting to acknowledge criticism, or at least allow it to be recognized internally
  • Donna Tocci
    Tim's right, the industry as a whole isn't too into SM. Tim is at the head of the pack for sure. I'm always surprised that more haven't
  • JHipkin says
    there are lots of products w/ names pretending to be brands. Convo build relationships which creates unexpected brand value
  • Donna Tocci
    looked at his success and jumped in. Their loss as he continues to take more of their share of the marketplace.
  • GHollingsworth says
    what I have been trying to do is convince the old skool DM'ers that SM is the ultimate form of Direct Marketing
  • Tim Jackson
    AC- buddy, I wish I knew what it was, but my feeling is that once you are comfortable being in the space, it is safe to create your own area
  • Te-ge says
    when Sony was called out for their DRM, instead of apologizing, they fussed about the techies who found the problem.
  • Trinkit says
    A tiny bit distracted, but bottom line is social media makes companies seem like people, and people generally like personal deals.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, they also said 'people don't even know what rootkits are, so why should they care?'
  • Beth Harte says
    what about Gavin's Question: so it comes back to the personal brand being on loan to the corporate brand?
  • Tim Jackson
    Greg- yes, but here's the big thing; if you aren't in the conversation about your failures, you have no way to defend or explain.
  • Te-ge says
    Trinkit Thanks! it's late here and I couldn't remember the quote :-)
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit exactly, SM allows a company to put the face of a real person on their brand, not just a spokesperson
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, that's just my remembering of the quote, it was insulting their customers intelligence either way.
  • Tim Jackson
    Engaging people and working around real/ perceived issues will give you the chance to make it better- if not perfect.
  • Donna Tocci
    bethharte, in some cases, yes. Tim is his own brand at this point. People identify with him as much, if not more so than Masi.
  • miketempleton
    so what about companies that seemingly have no or limited customers/audience online? How does a company empower more to join in?
  • acnatta says
    so it's basically being creating an evangelist identity right Greg?
  • GHollingsworth says
    Tim - I know, but convincing people that they need to embrace criticism in all forms is not always an easy sell
  • JHipkin says
    old school DMer here SM is a great tool to build relationship but so so good at selling something
  • Te-ge
    TimJackson You also have to be willing to admit to your failures and try to fix them though. Sony is a good example of the opposite.
  • servantofchaos says
    it means that we need a closer alignment between personal and corporate values
  • Beth Harte says
    it's just like crisis comm, if you are always honest, the media won't come busting down your door the next time. They'll listen.
  • acnatta says
    but building the relationship JHipkin gives you more opps to sell though
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth/ Gavin- I had never even commented on a blog when I created Masiguy & then sent a press release to our industry mag.
  • Te-ge
    miketempleton I think it's more a matter of finding who is online. They're there, you just need to know how to reach them.
  • GHollingsworth says
    acnatta - not an identity, it's about creating an evangelist. People don't like marketers (ask Bill Hicks) they don't trust marketers
  • MackCollier says
    JHipkin, directly, I agree. Indirectly, it can work wonders
  • Trinkit says
    miketempleton, I'm not sure what you mean, have an example? Any company can create an online presence that's beneficial.
  • Tim Jackson
    They ran the story the next day online... and THEN I told my bosses what I'd done. AFTER... it was a little weird. But they asked...
  • Beth Harte says
    DonnaTocci does that only work with consumer brands? What about B2B? A thought leaders brand borrowed by his company?
  • Tim Jackson
    The rest is "history" of sorts.
  • miketempleton
    Teeg, I hear you there, just seems difficult sometimes, especially when an industry seems old and stodgy (financial institutions).
  • acnatta says
    so you'd still need a person though to do it and someone folks can trust and talk to
  • Connie
    *is just listening; did this session in real life today* :-)
  • JHipkin
    acnatta you bet it does. It's essential. You can't sell if they don't listen. They won't listen if they don't see value
  • GHollingsworth says
    Jhipkin - but we don't know if it's a great selling tool or not, it's too hard to measure it's effects directly.
  • Tim Jackson
    When the blog made into the New York Times 2 yrs ago during our major tradeshow, they suddenly "got it".
  • miketempleton
    I work for a B2B company that services credit unions, but we have a hard time reaching and getting those people to participate.
  • Te-ge says
    miketempleton The bank in Australia that was spamming websites found out where their customers were...the hard way.
  • acnatta says
    hey Connie! (g_worship)
  • GHollingsworth says
    acnatta - yes, in fact you probably want more than one person if at all possible. Consumers have a voice and they want to be heard
  • Beth Harte says
    Tim, that is a great story. So, how long did it take to build up a readership? How else did you get the word out?
  • miketempleton
    Teeg, haha. I think ultimately for us it comes down to exposure and education. We have to find the customers AND educate them on SM
  • Donna Tocci
    bethharte - could work for either. Depends on the personality, IMHO.
  • Te-ge
    miketempleton are you trying to reach the credit unions themselves online or their customers?
  • JHipkin
    SM is a great way to get the message out w/out spending a fortune to people who by their nature communicate
  • AmberCadabra
    JHipkin very true. and those people are some of your BEST assets if they're a fan of your brand
  • MackCollier says
    JHipkin right, some of the best value in SM comes from interacting with others on a site like this, not on your blog
  • Beth Harte says
    miketempleton, do you need to educate customers on SM or just give them a way to be a part of your company's community? Blog, forum, etc?
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- I mostly just blogged for myself and kept doing it as the readers spread, but mostly I think it grew organically through commenting.
  • Donna Tocci
    miket - I hear you. I think that in the B2B area people may be timid to say their mind on a blog etc with "big brother" watching. Not sure
  • Tim Jackson
    I spend a lot of time in the community- though less lately with all I've had going on- and that spread things around.
  • JHipkin
    ambercadabra they certainly are generally speaking 80% of sales come from 20% of customer. You want the haevy users on board
  • acnatta says
    I've been experiencing that recently here. Some of the best "sellers" of the hyperlocal are email subscribers who I've spoken to
  • GHollingsworth says
    right on the money Mack. I've gotten more out of the two plurkshops i've done than from any meeting i've ever been through
  • acnatta says
    online or over the phone/in person
  • miketempleton
    Not many credit unions are familiar with SM, so we are trying to engage them with our blog and encourage participation.
  • Beth Harte says
    what would you say is a "normal" (hate to say norm) time period for a blog to build readership (B2B). A blog w/value that is...
  • Tim Jackson
    Plus it helped to get mentioned repeatedly in the biz mags. I also got a big boost during the Tour 3 yrs ago, by doing my "coverage".
  • AmberCadabra
    jhipkin yep, but it's amazing how many cos are still thinking "mass" instead of "critical mass"
  • Connie
    Good news from being at workshop today, all this social networking stuff is beginning to be a little more mainstream.
  • JHipkin
    engagement is key SM allows brands to engage with constituents
  • Tim Jackson
    It got linked from about 40+ sites/ blogs and really been growing then.
  • Donna Tocci
    I think they feel they can't be themselves when it's in a B2B setting. A mold we'll have to bust down.
  • Connie
    I mean, I taught a workshop at a search engine marketing conf. My session very well attended because breakfast keynote stressed importance.
  • GHollingsworth says
    JHipkin, shouldn't the heavy users be the easiest to get on board? THey are already engaged, it's getting the others to engage that matters
  • Te-ge says
    miketempleton Have you tried using quotable e-mails? Even people who don't know anything about blogs know how to forward an e-mail.
  • JHipkin
    donnatocci aren't there people involved in the B2B sales process?
  • AmberCadabra
    There's still a misconception by cos that if they're using an SM TOOL, they're doing SM. i.e. if I put my press releases on my blog, it's SM
  • miketempleton
    DonnaTocci, I think you're right. In the B2B setting, they're just used to reading, not responding and interacting.
  • Te-ge says
    mikethompson Have you tried using quotable e-mails? Even people who don't know what a blog is, know how to hit the forward button.
  • Beth Harte says
    MikeT, it might help to do a post w/another fin. company showing how they use SM (a successful co). I find like follows like. :-)
  • AmberCadabra
    Greg but the engaged people are part of what helps FIND the non-engaged people
  • Te-ge says
    arrrgh, not sure how I double sent that.
  • miketempleton
    Teeg, we've started including clips from the blog in our weekly email and its bringing some traffic, but still slowly.
  • MackCollier says
    it's not about the tools, it's about the connections that the tools help facilitate
  • servantofchaos says
    One of the big opportunities in B2B is to begin hosting expert communities ... got to find the value drivers
  • Donna Tocci
    JHipkin, yes, but SM is different. In a B2B setting you see fear of that same ole same ole...losing control of the message....
  • Connie
    Tim, evidently your blog was one of the first in your industry. Have Masi's competitors seen what you'e doing and followed suit?
  • AmberCadabra
    Exactly, Mack. that's something we have to keep educating about.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Amber - True, but like I said, they should be easy to get on board. THe highly engaged are evangelists in waiting
  • Donna Tocci
    saying something "wrong". It's an education thing. We, as the "gurus" need to educate. That's all.
  • AmberCadabra
    Gavin, that's a super great point. Do you have good examples of folks doing that, or are they still learning how?
  • Tim Jackson
    MikeT- Yes, it is more of a challenge probably, but it can be done. Soliciting feedback can engage people & get them dialoging.
  • Trinkit says
    bethharte I don't know that there is a normal time. Provided a blog has content, you can establish a blog with value in a week or two.
  • miketempleton
    bethharte that's an interesting idea. It seems that people are willing to learn, they just don't get it yet.
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie- yes, there are new ones out there... though still not really all that many.
  • davidalston
    here now and trying to catch up. Great discussion.
  • Connie
    In my session today I used some of our examples from previous plurkshop about ROI ... Return on Involvement.
  • JHipkin
    donneTocci cos need to get over that and give people a chance to engage. It may take time but the one who do will be influencial
  • servantofchaos says
    I think most are still learning how ... but the tech communities seem to get it
  • miketempleton
    Since we've talked about old DM vs new SM, what are the thoughts on using direct mail, email, etc. to promote and engage ppl in socmed?
  • Te-ge says
    Hi David! :-)
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie- I wish more would honestly. I want conversation to grow. It would benefit the industry if there was more talking, not yelling
  • Beth Harte says
    MIkeT, I think alot is fear...what if I comment? I might get in trouble. I reprimanded someone back in 2001 for a blog post. No rules then.
  • Connie
    And asked the point blank question: What is the cost of not participating? Loss of market share to competitor who does.
  • davidalston
    Tim, unfortunately their is an entire industry built on yelling
  • miketempleton
    servantofchaos you're dead on. Tech communities have it in the bag, its other industries that are taking longer to adapt.
  • pritcharddesign thinks
    businesses need to catch up with customers. We don't want to be shouted at any more. They aren't so sure conversation will work.
  • Donna Tocci
    JHipkin - sometimes it's not the companies. It's the people in them. Mgmt may ok it, even encourage it, but getting people to engage
  • acnatta says
    that target group seems to be getting larger all the time Teeg
  • Donna Tocci is
    another thing all together. Kind of like what Mike T is saying
  • Te-ge
    Connie but first they have to see a value in that market share, very few companies want to be the first to take the plunge.
  • Connie
    A lot of people nodded at that question of whether they could afford *not* to participate. Seems like that argument is beginning to stick.
  • acnatta says
    conversation is the only way right now - I'd rather be spoken with than spoken to
  • servantofchaos says
    MikeTempleton the trick is to treat SM as part of an integrated campaign that reaches your participants via multiple touchpoints
  • Trinkit says
    Bethharte, I've seen companies that are just the opposite, they understand that vulnerability is sometimes endearing to customers.
  • miketempleton
    bethharte, a lot of it is fear, I agree. They don't know what to do with the power of conversation. 'Huh? I can respond?'
  • GHollingsworth says
    miket - the problem with mixing dm and sm is that the use of dm brings dm measurement into the equation
  • Beth Harte is
    thankful she's in the tech community...fingers crossed for a successful blog. (s_good_luck)
  • acnatta says
    there seem to be more ready to take the plunge Teeg, but they want some of us there to help them understand...
  • Trinkit says
    bethharte, IE: A company that will make a mistake, and then own up on it, and apologize, to generate increased publicity and sales.
  • davidalston
    miketempleton - social media is unfortunately a "you gotta do it to get it" kind of thing eh
  • AmberCadabra
    Connie do you think they're starting to see the perceived "risk" as being worth it, in order to lead rather than follow?
  • acnatta says
    they're definitely scared
  • Tim Jackson
    David- true, but it has been hurting the industry, as a whole, not helping it grow."A high tide raises all boats."
  • Beth Harte is
    MikeT or even how to respond. Rule: Don't post an ad for your product in a comment.
  • Te-ge says
    acnatta it is, but who the group I'm engaging is will influence who I try to engage them. Some with e-mail, some blogs, some other SM
  • Connie
    Teeg, more and more they are seeing that they aren't the first to take the plunge.
  • Connie
    And I teach that starting a blog is not necessarily the right point of entry into social media.
  • MackCollier says
    Connie I am seeing a big interest in hearing about case studies, I think that's a sign that interest in SM is rising
  • templestark
    The problem w/ Twitter at the moment is the only 10 pages to go back-so I at least don't want to push others out of the way w/ my inanity.
  • gwensutton says
    good evening all, just stopped by to say hello.
  • Beth Harte asks
    Tim Jackson for an example...
  • AmberCadabra
    Connie amen to that. It's the most common and identifiable tool, so everyone figures they need one.
  • miketempleton
    davidalston, very true. I realize it will just take time, but *others* don't see that right away. ;-)
  • acnatta says
    definitely, it's still about the tools that are available and the target group's comfort level with them
  • servantofchaos says
    davidalston though you can use marketing metrics to help them "get it" -- decreased cost of customer acquistion, improved customer sat etc
  • davidalston
    tim jackson - the tough part is spreading the word. It's a one at a time kind of battle in many ways isn't it.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Connie, I agree. Unfortunately blogs are the most notable socmed form, so for many it's the only socmed form they know
  • Connie
    Amber, yes. I think we're moving toward that tipping point -- not that more companies are actually doing social media yet ...
  • Te-ge says
    Connie Yay! Too many people think you have to start with a blog, and I totally believe it's the wrong start for most.
  • Tim Jackson
    David, yes it is my friend. I began another blog, a group one, that addresses marketing and issues in the biz...
  • Connie
    But more companies are *thinking* about doing social media. They're reading about it, sending employees to conferences.
  • JHipkin says
    cos should put a toe in to try. Learn by doing. The risk is low the potential high.
  • Beth Harte asks
    Connie, what's a good entry point? Commenting on other blogs? Any other entry points?
  • templestark
    too much evangelism as if SM is the second coming is damaging. it's another tool. Sorry AmberCadabra :-D
  • Connie
    May still be a while before they adopt it, but I counsel that they dip their toes in the water, so to speak.
  • miketempleton
    starting a blog just to have one is wrong. It's got to fit your objectives. I believe strongly in identifying goals & aspiring towards them.
  • Tim Jackson
    ...hoping to start open dialog. Instead, I got brands camping on the blog to monitor, not participate. When their brand is mentioned...\
  • Tim Jackson
    they'll sit there for days.
  • AmberCadabra
    templestark I completely agree with you, actually. It's one tool in the box, not the silver bullet.
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- example of what? Sorry... :-))
  • GHollingsworth says
    templestark - it's not a silver bullet, yes, it's another tool, but with the potential to be amazingly effective if utilized properly
  • templestark
    connie et al. it's a shame blogs are thought of as passe already by many.
  • acnatta says
    that is a shame templestark because it's still a great way to drive a conversation
  • Connie
    I used three E's to talk about the process of getting involved in social media and used the analogy of a business networking event.
  • Te-ge says
    bethharte I encourage people to check out specialized SM sites too. When it's a small world, every relationship helps.
  • JHipkin says
    it's a tool that can engage the heavy user who can move the business
  • servantofchaos says
    MikeTempleton ... yes and measure. Even if your objectives are off, it helps to know this. You have to measure
  • AmberCadabra
    And to be perfectly honest, I think SM is a bit "buzzy" right now and will eventually get assimilated into the overall mktg picture
  • templestark thinks
    it's a different conversation - small cocktail chatter or in comfy couches talking about things, life improvement (W.ev that means)
  • Connie
    Mack, agree that wanting to see case studies indicates interest in social media on the rise.
  • Trinkit says
    AmberCadabra, I disagree. It's a hard thing to explain, but, the current generation is cynical, jaded, and tired of traditional marketing.
  • Beth Harte says
    Tim it was something you said to Gavin, can't find it now. Thanks anyway!
  • davidalston
    reminds me of the old saying "people will always choose to deal with people they like" - and you get to know people with conversation.
  • servantofchaos says
    AmberCadabra yes, we have to move away from the divide around SM and the rest of our marketing efforts
  • templestark
    thanks for replies. i just sort of jumped right in :-)
  • Trinkit says
    AmberCadabra, they've been advertised since day 1 in this totally BS way, social media and marketing leads to word of mouth and more
  • JHipkin thinks
    ambercadra is right SM will be absorbed as other media have been
  • Connie
    Tim, good point about brands using blogs as reputation monitoring tools, but then they need to take next step & join convesation.
  • Trinkit says
    AmberCadabra, trustworthy advertisements. I think social media -is- a kind of silver bullet and will be king of the hill in the future.
  • Tim Jackson
    Amber- good point. My bosses liked the attention my blog got so much that they mandated that our new corporate sites be redone with blogs.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit I have to disagree, the current generation will hear if the message is delivered properly, Apple for instance
  • Tim Jackson
    The new sites will be launching soon and the blog will be the home page. Radically different approach for us.
  • AmberCadabra
    It's the realization that SM is what marketing *should* be in most cases, all along. Term for the overall integration of dialogue into mktg.
  • Connie
    Tim jackson - w00t for site redesign w/ blog as home page!
  • AmberCadabra
    Tim I'm doing the same with my own (little) site. It just makes sense now.
  • servantofchaos says
    But then I also think that Marketing should get more voice/recognition at the Board level and that happens rarely
  • JHipkin says
    some cos have been trying to generate convo w/ customer thru DM. SM makes t easier.
  • Tim Jackson
    Yes- product is not getting the spotlight, the personality of the brands is getting the spotlight.
  • davidalston
    Tim, any predictions on how the change to the site will change the way people interact with you?
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, I tend to think of Apple as an exception, however, it got lots of boosts from social media as well, not just traditional ads.
  • MackCollier says
    Tim will you be handling the blogs? Group or just you?
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, especially with Mac OS X, due to the Darwin OS base, it got lots of open-source enthusiasts endearing the product.
  • AmberCadabra
    Gavin, uh huh. It happens rarely, and i think that contributes to a lot of ignorance about what works
  • GHollingsworth says
    Davidalston hit the nail on the head, people don't like marketers, they like people who they feel they can trust
  • Tim Jackson
    Gavin- I agree and we have seen a little shift with our brands to allow that to happen.
  • templestark
    a whole different conversation i'll look for answers elsewhere but "Social media" seems to encompass a lot that I don't think applies.
  • Donna Tocci
    Tim - that's exciting stuff! Congrats!!!
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - Of course you do, that's exactly what they want you to think. Apple appears different because they deliver the message correctly
  • Tim Jackson
    David- I predict it will become much more dynamic. I see fewer website emails coming and comments instead ON the site.
  • Tim Jackson
    Mack- each of us Brand Managers will handle our own blogs. So that means I'll have another blog to work on.
  • templestark
    as always, creators and consumers usually have different outlooks. We think of it as creators more perhaps? ??
  • Beth Harte says
    I am having my customer service team get more involved with SM and some marketing for that exact reason. People trust them.
  • JHipkin says
    having worked w/ them Apple is still very product oriented. Convo is a by product of their great products not something they drive
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - THe Mac OS didn't make them trendy, it was lifestyle marketing and they did it very well with the iPod
  • Connie
    Awesome accomplishment, Tim. Sounds like you're responsible for a culture shift at Masi.
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, erm, not quite, Apple's not different. Just other factors contributed to Apple regaining market share. It wasn't a sudden new
  • servantofchaos says
    a colleague noted that he has seen a 27% drop in email since he started using Twitter -- for internal and external discussion
  • Tim Jackson
    Donna- thanks! And we did get some money for my pet project of creating a video component as well.
  • Trinkit says
    Greg trendy advertising campaign. EX: The Mac Vs. PC ads alienated alot of customers.
  • AmberCadabra
    JHipkin, I have to disagree with that. I think Apple is a MASTER of driving conversation.
  • Beth Harte says
    TimJackson, that's great! To me that means folks feel comfortable enough to leave a comment, knowing you'll respond. Kudos!
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - THat's what I was trying to imply, they're not different, but they sell themselves as being different and better
  • davidalston
    tim - do you see the next stage evolving into a more formal community environment (Jive Software thing etc...)
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie, yes, maybe. But I think I just made enough noise and got enough of the right attention that my sister brands weren't.
  • Connie
    Interesting stat, Gavin, about Twitter and email. Lots of talk about that at the conf. today. Big influx of ppl on Twitter.
  • Donna Tocci
    Tim - any rough timeline on this fabulous launch? You know I like to use your successes as examples in presentations!
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - Maybe so, but it didn't alienate 1 million people from buying the iPhone in 1 day last week did it?
  • JHipkin says
    Apple is very focused on producing great product. The convo comes as a result.
  • AmberCadabra
    JHipkin Steve Jobs getting on stage and doing his infamous blockbuster launches is every bit intentional.
  • Tim Jackson
    David, I'm not really sure where it will head yet. I'm still feeling my way around it all. But that is part of the process I share on blog.
  • AmberCadabra
    I agree that their product is noteworthy to start with, which helps. But they know exactly how to tap the evangelists they have.
  • Beth Harte says
    But is Apple talking back to anyone? Participating? I am asking only because I don't know...
  • GHollingsworth says
    Steve Jobs is a master salesman and a master marketer.
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, I meant that their success with traditional marketing is an exception, if that's what you got, then I'm missing your point.
  • JHipkin says
    it's about the products. The convo comes. Not saying it's a bad thing just, for them, a by product.
  • templestark
    RE: companies -conversation to be effective via SM has to not only exist but respond. If answers / changes are forthcoming, trust arrives.
  • Beth Harte says
    Amber, that is obvious, they do tap in.
  • davidalston
    tim - count me in too on using any case studies of Masi as well - would love to see them
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, I'll happily don my ignorance hat in that case :-)
  • miketempleton
    I love when sites use blogs as the main portion of their site, but only when they actually use it.
  • Connie
    "still feeling my way around," Tim said. And that's something companies have to understand. There won't always be immed. answers.
  • GHollingsworth says
    good question bethharte, I don't really know.
  • Tim Jackson
    Donna- not sure yet, but soon. We have to get thru our sales mtg first and then we will be finishing touches. The rough skeleton is done.
  • Te-ge has
    to agree with amber the conversation is intentional. Steve Jobs creates a production out of any new product to create conversation.
  • DebInAustin says
    well you people sure are rolling along!
  • templestark
    icopanies who give a little get more from me, so even if their products aren't the best jhpkin - I'm likely to go with CO
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - who knows, I'm trying to follow so many threads it's hard to keep track of it all. :-o
  • Beth Harte says
    Does anyone have an example of a blog as a homepage? (In case I can't wait for Tim's big unveiling) ;-)
  • templestark
    !@#$ sorry .. COs that work with me
  • AmberCadabra
    Connie Tim SM is a living,breathing thing that needs to be nurtured. There is no "perfect" and feeling it out is critical
  • JHipkin says
    GTG dinner is ready. Have fun.
  • Te-ge says
    Hi Deb! :-)
  • Beth Harte says
    So is Apple participating in SM if they are conversing? They might as well use Twitter! Har...
  • davidalston
    the days of messages with "guidance systems" to hit targets are over. No longer target marketing, now target listening and engagement
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie, yes. My blog had 20- 30 readers/day for months. Now it's more like 500- 1100 (depending on content). But it took time.
  • Tim Jackson
    And it meant getting out in the community a lot. But it has worked.
  • templestark
    LOVE apple, what other success stories are out there, similar?
  • miketempleton
    plus with the way blogs ping search engines, building a site on a blog platform is SEO heaven :-D
  • Tim Jackson
    Now MSM come to me when they see something on the blog.
  • DebInAustin says
    I like that term target listening
  • Te-ge says
    Beth I don't think they're participating, but they do know the importance of conversation and create it.
  • Beth Harte says
    Thanks MikeT, I have never seen that before...not sure my company would go in for something like that...Maybe in a few years. Love it.
  • Tim Jackson
    I have two reviews of products being done because the editors read the blog!
  • Connie
    "still feeling my way around" - and that is done in public, on the blog, not inside company walls. Makes many ppl nervous.
  • davidalston
    bethharte - Apple is an interesting case - they've almost evolved to the highest level - rabid community supporting itself.
  • GHollingsworth says
    templestark - is Apple really a socmed success story? They create conversations, but they don't participate in them, is that good or bad?
  • Donna Tocci
    but Tim, you said something earlier that is so true...you promoted the blog at every opportunity in a "mainstream" way - print, in person..
  • servantofchaos says
    thanks folks ... time for lunch -- will check back in later (s_bye)
  • GHollingsworth says
    davidalston - good point, but does that mean they can remove themselves from the convo.?
  • Donna Tocci
    you worked at it. Some companies think they can just create a blog and it will instantly be popular w/out any additional work
  • DebInAustin says
    there is something like idol worship going on with Apple. It's like we all fell for the Jedi Mind trick. Not that it wasn't worth it...
  • acnatta says
    traditional marketing is still important
  • GHollingsworth says
    perhaps I should have said " should they remove themselves from the convo.?
  • AmberCadabra
    Greg I think they're a better example of cust. evangelism than SM per se
  • Connie
    Apple is not social media success story; they are word of mouth success story.
  • JHipkin says
    that's it, Apple rabid community supporting itself. Apple feeds the frenzy w/ great products but doesn't directly drive the convo. GTG
  • acnatta says
    but it's become more important to figure out ways to get that same social media engagement with it
  • Te-ge says
    Greg I think the end results of the iphone launch will tell whether they are successful for now or not. It will be interesting.
  • DebInAustin says
    or is Apple just really good at listening to what their customers have been saying all along?
  • Beth Harte says
    Night Jhipkin, thanks for participating! Great stuff!
  • GHollingsworth says
    acnatta - I agree completely, there are still hundreds of millions of people who are not involved in social media
  • Tim Jackson
    Donna- yes. MSM is not dead yet and still has great reach in many ways. As Mack said earlier- we're still the 1%'ers.
  • davidalston
    Greg - I totally agree. However I would argue customers control 99% of apples brand and defend it to the death. Its pretty amazing.
  • Connie thinks
    we need to move away from conversation as a buzz word.
  • acnatta says
    is engagement the buzz word then
  • davidalston
    When apple launches something new it just food for the fan base. It gets totally consumed. Rare example.
  • Te-ge says
    DebinDenver actually, that's something that even apple fans will tell you, Steve Jobs at least isn't that good at listening.
  • GHollingsworth says
    regardless of the iPhone launch results, Apple has managed to create a community of evangelists that is more powerful than any ad
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, Oooh, the iphone, another product that 'seems' successful, but has bitten most people that bought into it.
  • AmberCadabra
    Connie How do you do that? Is there a better way to define conversation, or is it about executing and not just talking about it?
  • Beth Harte says
    Donna, that goes back to an earlier Plurkshop, using trad. mktg to promote implemented SM and vice versa.
  • Connie
    kmunse social media/WOM are different but can be integated, using social media to drive WOM
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, I personally love the iphone debacle, but, it is a strange success, it's lockdown into a single company, the fact that a good
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, portion outright ignore the 'limits' and 'illegally' free themselves from the contract and other limitations on the product.
  • GHollingsworth says
    davidalston - they do indeed, but Apple would have to do something pretty terrible to break that loyalty at this point.
  • Donna Tocci
    bethharte, I'll have to look up the transcript on that. This is my first Plurkshop!
  • templestark
    @ Greg. connie. Isn't word ofmouth the ultimate AND original social media ??
  • DebInAustin says
    Teeg I have heard that Jobs isn't good at listening. That's why I used the Jedi Mind trick analogy. He says it's cool and we all go for it.
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, like releasing a 300$ product then 6 months later dropping the price? :-)
  • acnatta says
    Trinkit it goes back to the issue of are they listening and how do they let us know they're listening...
  • Connie
    I think Apple is the exception, not the rule, and not applicable to most businesses considering social media.
  • davidalston
    isn't it ironic that one of the biggest social networks - Facebook - is nearly impossible to converse with. How do we let them do this?
  • Te-ge
    agrees Trinkit. But still people line up for more. Doesn't make much sense to me, but I learned quickly with my first ipod
  • Tim Jackson
    Donna- "success", however defined can not be expected over night- as you know.Some cos have a hard time w/ that thought.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - I would have thought so, but it didn't seem to bother people too much. At least not the million people who spent $200 more fri.
  • acnatta says
    davidalston it's gotten much better thanks to Facebook IM and better access to the messaging/inbox function
  • DebInAustin says
    davidalston I have always wondered that about Facebook. If you aren't on it constantly and looking at various apps your convo moves slow.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, I think I'm one of the rare ones that doesn't own a single Apple product either. x.X
  • Beth Harte says
    acnatta, extactly! 'how do they let us know they're listening'
  • acnatta says
    but it's still not set up easily for most folks to use
  • templestark
    As someone already said, Apple in a lot of areas - is at another level in products, especially, but it's very loyal fan base.
  • Te-ge says
    davidalston Many SNs are impossible to converse with. Digg and Sphinn have had issues with some of their big users over that.
  • Beth Harte says
    conversation is two-way. Is engagement two-way?
  • davidalston
    I agree Greg. Apple is just one small voice amongst thousands of "Apple voices". The Grateful Dead of corporate brands.
  • Connie
    Templestark, semantics perhaps but you cannot divorce social media from technology. WOM was original maketing method; SM helps amplify it.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit Teeg - If you don't count Quicktime, I'm 100% Apple free
  • templestark
    That's why I was curious about other companies, or heck maybe just rock bands DRIVEN and/or enhanced by SM.
  • acnatta says
    you need two or more people to engage and interpret
  • Trinkit says
    Greg, counting quicktime, I'm 100% apple free, quicktime has security vulns that make me refuse to install it ^^;
  • DebInAustin says
    bethharte I would think engagement is two-way, but one party may be only listening/asking questions, not presenting info.
  • templestark
    NB: Went to friend Davidalston on twitter and plurk - and he'd beaten me to it on plurk at least :-D
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth, I think that engaging & conversing are so similar, they have to both be two-way. How can you engage w/o convo?
  • davidalston
    teeg - more good examples. Social network brands not living the social media (conversations) way they actually live off of. Bizarre.
  • GHollingsworth says
    davidalston - ugh, I hate jam bands, but it's a good comparison. IT's the trip that never stops
  • Beth Harte says
    Engagement doesn't need to be a conversation per se?
  • Connie
    Disagree about engagement -- you can be engaged with content without conversation.
  • Beth Harte asks
    is Mack off watching Burn Notice?!
  • Beth Harte asks
    Connie, can you expand? I think that's what I said engagement doesn't equal convo.
  • DebInAustin says
    bethharte what if someone is watching you give a presentation? I'd call that engagement- as long as their not IM'ing people!
  • templestark
    connie, i defer because i don't know answer on tech / SM relationship. i heard about Twitter vie e-mail - is that still tech. or just life?
  • GHollingsworth says
    Trinkit - okay, so I'm 99.5% Apple free. I'm just too lazy to get rid of quicktime, too many people use it
  • Te-ge
    bethharte kmunse How can you be engaged without 2 parties actively involved?
  • Tim Jackson
    I just can't personally see "engaging" a community w/o "conversing" w/ it as well. Maybe I'm more of a freak though...
  • miketempleton
    Connie, that's what we are struggling with. People are coming and reading our blog, but without conversation we feel at a loss.
  • davidalston
    connie - good point. In fact another layer - lurkers watching conversation can be engaged in it as content.
  • DebInAustin says
    don't be hard on yourself.
  • GHollingsworth says
    bethharte - Burn Notice is on? Holy crap, I gotta go, oh wait, Tivo to the rescue.
  • acnatta says
    though sometimes they can engage in social media without talking
  • Beth Harte says
    I like Connie's example: you can be engaged with content
  • Te-ge
    davidalston it's also a complaint I've heard about SU since it was brought out by ebay. I think big business trend is away from listening.
  • acnatta says
    they can digg or vote and not leave a comment - unfair for those wanting feedback but possible
  • DebInAustin says
    a lot of cultures count listening as engagement. And it is important, but they always switch roles. Iisten you talk, you listen I talk.
  • GHollingsworth says
    i would agree TimJackson, I find it hard not to engage, but i think everyone here probably feels that way
  • Tim Jackson
    I understand the point that listening is engaging, but if we're talking about a strategy for a brand- it has to be more active to me.
  • Te-ge says
    davidalston I bet if you asked the lurkers though, they may be engaged, but don't feel involved. Lurking always feels outside the talk.
  • Connie
    You can measure engagement by how long someone spends reading content, if they click to othe pages on site, download file, etc.
  • miketempleton
    It's also interesting that after enough time, lurkers eventually become participating members. It just takes em longer to join in.
  • DebInAustin says
    does anyone know what percent of online users use social bookmarking sites? That is a confusing concept for a lot of people, so wonder.
  • Beth Harte says
    Folks, it's 11:05 with over 425 plurks...do we go on or fade into the sunset?
  • GHollingsworth says
    why don't we ask the lurkers, there have got to be some somewhere. Do any of the lurkers have anything to add?
  • Connie
    Perhaps engagement precedes conversation, determines whether someone will become involved enough to have conversation.
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie great point, so what's better; number of visitors or page loads?
  • DebInAustin says
    so do the lurkers then contribute something after the fact to close the loop on engagement, like tell others about what they observed?
  • GHollingsworth says
    I'm fading into the sunset, have a good night everyone.
  • Beth Harte says
    kmunse does a tree fall in the woods if noone hears it? (s_LOL)
  • miketempleton
    I've read other PlurkShop scripts before, but never felt engaged until I participated in one.
  • DebInAustin says
    maybe the engagement is directly with you the presenter of the info, but they take what they heard and tell friends/colleagues.
  • Beth Harte says
    G'night Greg, it's been great!
  • davidalston
    teeg - yes, I think big biz can sometimes take a social network company and move it away from conversation (scared what might happen)
  • Beth Harte asks
    MikeT, but did you feel engaged in the Plurk community by reading?
  • Connie
    Tim, one isn't necessaily better than the other (visitors/pageviews); they're different. Informally, you can even measure your site's CQ -
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- we'll keep the party going and I'll remember to take out the trash afterwards. Get some rest.
  • Te-ge thinks
    you have to find a way to engage the lurkers deb. Even if it's through e-mails that they forward to others, involving them is a need
  • Connie
    Conversation Quotient.
  • miketempleton
    Until I asked questions and responded, I didn't feel engaged in the PlurkShops taking place. Felt like an outsider until now.
  • templestark
    measuring engagement by length of time is good/ necessary (?) but you can also inspire with one memorable sentence, photo .. or product.
  • Beth Harte asks
    am I putting a damper on the party?!
  • davidalston
    I wonder if we need a new measurement specifically for the lurkers - Return on Impact - to measure their engagement.
  • acnatta says
    I only enjoy these when I get a chance to get feedback on my comments
  • Beth Harte says
    this is too great to get sleep now...what's another hour lost?!
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- NO! You rock. Go get some sleep.
  • Te-ge says
    davidalston I think that's unfortunate, but what seems to happen more often than not. Even with the "big players" in the network.
  • acnatta says
    otherwise I'm having to interpret what's been said for my situation
  • Tim Jackson
    MikeT- we're glad you decided to chime in and get engaged in our conversation.
  • DebInAustin says
    teeg I think you need to engage them, I was just asking couldn't you count their post-lurk activity as engagement, b/c they spread message
  • Connie
    The closest I've seen to measuring lurkers / engagement / conversation / content creators is Forrester's ladder analysis
  • AmberCadabra
    There's a big difference between engaged and included.
  • davidalston
    Sorry Tim we seemed to have gotten side tracked :-)
  • Connie
    available on their blog and in Groundswell
  • Te-ge says
    I never realized how many lurkers were on my blog until I started writing about introverts and social media.
  • Beth Harte says
    MikeT, great feedback...glad you jumped in! :-)
  • Connie
    Teeg, I also wrote about introverts/social media and was one of my most read posts.
  • Te-ge says
    I had hit on the subject many had been waiting for. There are a lot who want to but are afraid to get involved.
  • davidalston
    it would be neat to understand how many of us are type A or type B
  • Connie
    Beth, good point.
  • davidalston
    Type A, extrovert (not much of a lurker)
  • DebInAustin says
    I think you need to feel included in order to engage. If you don't feel included you are less likely to jump in.
  • Te-ge
    suspects there are fewer lurkers on a site like Plurk. It's easier to get involved in the conversation. I'll still lurk on twitter sometimes
  • Beth Harte says
    it's been discussed that SM helps introverts become more involved. But I have to say as an Extro, it's helped me to learn to listen first.
  • Connie
    How often do you invite lurkers to comment?
  • Beth Harte says
    Good night Andre! (s_bye)
  • Tim Jackson
    David- I'm actually a pretty shy person and really only open up once feeling safe, but I live a very public existence and kinda always have.
  • miketempleton
    Connie, even if you invite them, how often will they respond. They don't comment because they like to lurk. :-D
  • GHollingsworth says
    damn, one refresh and I'm pulled right back in
  • AmberCadabra
    I was very engaged with Twitter from the start - but passively. Only when I got brave enough to @ someone did I feel included.
  • DebInAustin says
    Good night acnatta! No spoilers for those of us who don't get to see it 'til weekend!
  • Beth Harte says
    David, me too. Type A, extrovert
  • AmberCadabra
    timjackson that's me, exactly. I'm type A because of my job, not my personality really.
  • Te-ge says
    miketempleton I don't think it's a matter of liking it for most people
  • Trinkit says
    I have no clue what type I am online. Offline, I suffer from severe SAD.
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie- I try to get people involved as much as I can be trying to remain accessible. I also use polls a lot- to get the commty interacting
  • Connie
    MikeT - LOL but sometimes they're waiting for the right content and for the encouragement to comment, to feel included
  • DebInAustin says
    AmberCadabra what made you make that step, did they do something to get you to tweet, or did you just decide to jump in?
  • GHollingsworth says
    kmunse - sad but true, it's very easy to lurk.
  • templestark
    oh crap, i was going to ask acnatta what his situation was / is.
  • davidalston
    but as we tell folks - listen first then join the conversation. No not all bad - connie is right - maybe we need to ask them to join.
  • Te-ge says
    I'm an extrovert on here because I receive so much encouragement. My normal personality is introvert.
  • AmberCadabra
    My type kinda depends on where I am. :/
  • Connie
    Polls are good, Tim. A very non-threatening way to interact with your site.
  • Beth Harte says
    Connie, that's a good point. It has to bee something they relate to.
  • Te-ge says
    I can't tell you how many blogs I've started writing comments on, only to walk away afraid that what I had to say might be taken wrong
  • miketempleton
    connie and teeg, you are right. In a forum I run I do see lurkers come out and post, just saying they've been looking for the right moment
  • miketempleton
    They've been waiting for the time when they feel safe before they can engage.
  • AmberCadabra
    Deb I'm sure someone said something that made me have to respond.
  • davidalston
    think of a cocktail party - you'd have to be mega Type A Extro to walk up to a group and join in fast. And it's not always good.
  • Trinkit says
    Teeg, I'm always terrified of what I type being taken wrong, just online, noone can really hurt me cause of it.
  • Connie
    Bingo, Teeg! There is still a certain amount of courage required to comment, but we can help make it easier by setting the right tone.
  • GHollingsworth says
    i think personalty type is situational for most people. It's easier to be extroverted here when it's just words on a page
  • templestark
    "taken wrong" - if peolpe / places made it more clear they'll follow up with non-attacking queries that would help.
  • Connie
    Frankly, part of my success, like Tim, is that I'm accessible and I try to have fun and make people feel comfortable, not intimidated.
  • Te-ge says
    LOL I get nervous responding to comments on my blog. What helps though is to think about using 140 characters (s_LOL)
  • DebInAustin says
    yeah AmberCadabra. And I don't mean they were necessarily reaching out, just that you felt compelled to get into an interesting topic.
  • Beth Harte says
    sometimes I lurk because I feel like I don't have anything different or smart to contribute. Then when it's right, I jump in. It's timing.
  • templestark
    you can be hurt if you really like the site and want to continue to .. tada, engage.
  • davidalston
    as long as your framework is "building relationships" you generally can't go wrong in engaging or listening.
  • AmberCadabra
    Connie not taking yourself too seriously is really important, IMO
  • Connie
    People open up if they think you are willing to listen. Reread you content before posting. Are you copping a 'tude? Will determine response.
  • GHollingsworth says
    Teeg - I get the same way, especially when I feel I've been misunderstood. Tone can be hard to convey in print
  • Te-ge says
    Greg actually, it's easier for me to be extroverted in a party setting. If I can see people and watch their reactions, I do well.
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie- precisely. It relates to "tone" and personality. Not saying that a more "serious" blog/ site can't develop comments- might take time
  • templestark
    Ye, bethharte sums that up well, if it's been said, I don't usually want to add to repetition.
  • Beth Harte says
    David, that's what I meant about SM being good for extroverts because it teaches them to listen before engaging. Very important.
  • AmberCadabra
    Deb yes. someone said something when it was more important to respond than to be afraid, I guess.
  • templestark
    resisting urge to have next 5 plurks simply say "repetition." :-D
  • Tim Jackson
    One of the ways I got less shy was to use Technorati to find convo's about Masi and then went & commented there. It helped dev' my blog.
  • AmberCadabra
    The real problem for you people is that when i'm comfortable, I don't shut up. :-)
  • DebInAustin says
    Connie rereading is so important, sometimes I unintentionally have the wrong voice, but don't see it until I read it later. Frame of mind!
  • GHollingsworth says
    Teeg - like I said, it's situational for everyone, I believe I'm type AB (if I remember correctly), but who knows.
  • miketempleton
    bethharte that is the mentality of our audience. They don't feel they have anything to contribute, even though 'nice post' would be fine.
  • Connie
    What we're talking about has more to do w/ people skills than technology or writing skills or smarts. It's how you treat people.
  • Beth Harte says
    kmunse, and yet on Plurk we've been having very smart convos and enagements!
  • templestark
    SM when done right is brainstorming through technology. ?
  • davidalston
    bethharte - good point. And the fact that people can listen/lurk first without feeling they "need to talk" helps the extrovert too.
  • GHollingsworth says
    alright, it's been a blast, but Burn Notice is getting lonely on the Tivo (so is the wife and the dogs). Night everyone.
  • Beth Harte asks
    Tim Jackson for Technorati training... ;-)
  • DebInAustin says
    TimJackson I had never thought to use Technorati that way before. Good to know. I have done blog searches, but on T'rati they are aggregate
  • Te-ge says
    Good night greg! :-)
  • Tim Jackson
    Templestark- yes, it sure can be. I use my blog to solicit feedback to better create bikes for the readers. They tell me what they want.
  • Te-ge
    hadn't thought of using Technorati that way either. Good idea TimJackson!
  • Beth Harte is
    sorry to leave, but I need to get up early tomorrow. This has been great! Look for a recap tomorrow night! :-) Thanks all!
  • Connie
    Good night, Beth and Greg.
  • DebInAustin says
    TimJackson do you think your audience was pre-disposed to read blogs/comment so they found you, or they learned of you and wen to your blog
  • Te-ge hates
    to go, but she needs to head to bed too. See y'all tomorrow! :-)
  • Beth Harte says
    Tim Jackson, don't forget the trash. And put your bike away!
  • Tim Jackson
    David- I try to get out at least a few times/week. I don't check T'rati as much as I would like lately, but I go hunting for blogs to reach
  • DebInAustin says
    good night Beth & Greag!
  • davidalston
    I should probably hit the hay too since I'm AST and it's 12:30am Great convo. Thx all. Thx timjackson
  • Beth Harte says
    MikeT, so glad you were here tonight! It was great.
  • Te-ge says
    Sounds good! :-)
  • Connie
    I subscibe to T'rati searches in feed reader, also Bloglines, and of course Google Alerts.
  • Tim Jackson
    Beth- promise... this time... I will.
  • Beth Harte says
    G'Night David. Tim, thank you! This has been very informative.
  • templestark
    cheers and thanks. I enjoyed this one. Out.
  • davidalston
    timJackson - would love to dothe vulcan mind meld with you sometime on the whole proactive outreach stuff.
  • Connie says
    Plurk has been verrrry sloooww for me tonight.
  • Tim Jackson
    Deb- I think it has been both. I would imagine that my Taiwan readers found me through trade mags, then it spread from there.
  • AmberCadabra
    Guys, this was great topic, and great group!
  • Tim Jackson
    Thanks to all- sincerely. David- totally. Any time man.
  • miketempleton
    I'm out for now. Great conversation everyone. Thanks for pulling me in from only being a lurker and getting me to engage.
  • Connie
    Glad I was able to join in tonight. Been very long day. At least I don't have to be downtown early in the morning. Good night, all.
  • Tim Jackson
    Yes Beth- thanks again for being the Hostess w/ the Mostest. And for the cool intro. Loved it.
  • davidalston
    timjackson - ping you on it forsure then. I've been building our brand a lot this way and alway love to compare notes.
  • Tim Jackson
    MikeT- getting you off the ledge and into the conversation is my biggest victory for the day.
  • Tim Jackson
    David- you got it. I'm hip to the note sharing too!
  • Connie
    Tim, thanks for the gift of you time and expertise. I know it was a sacrifice on a night when you still have a lot of work.
  • Tim Jackson
    So at a bit under 650 comments, we'll wrap this up.T Thanks to all for "engaging" in Conversation w/ me!
  • DebInAustin says
    yeah Tim, sorry I missed a lot of this, but learned a ton from you in the short time I was here. You always do such a great job.
  • Tim Jackson
    Connie- it's totally worth it to me. Now the night shift starts!
  • MackCollier says
    Tim sorry I missed most of this, but I have it bookmarked and this looks to be about the most active one yet! Great job!
  • Tim Jackson
    I did nothing; the group gets the credit.
  • AmberCadabra
    TimJackson you are, and continue to be, my hero! Great topic, great insights. Thanks friend.
  • Tim Jackson
    Mack- it should be a good read. I can't wait to go through it again too because it was a flurry. Know I missed stuff.
  • Tim Jackson
    Amber- I'm gonna blush now. Thanks.
  • sarunasr says
    just breezed through, sorry I missed it. Didn't want to leave you handing at 666 (s_bye)
  • Connie
    Plurk had a bad lag for me - would want to chime in on something and by the time I could, convo had gone in different diections. :-)
  • sarunasr says
    Connie one thing that twitter has over plurk is a number of apps written for it :-))
  • sarunasr says
    but twitter is down more oftern, like now :-(
  • Connie
    Yes, but Twitter has lowered API server requests to 20/hr - really kills the 3rd party apps.
  • Connie
    And even with lowered limits, I'm still getting the Fail Whale tonight.
  • Connie
    Ah, see you're having same problem.
  • sarunasr says
    first I thought it was my connection, but here I have not problems B-)

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