Normally I would counsel against using adversarial/militaristic terms*, but engagement has meaning beyond the mercenary.
We like rules and rubrics and frameworks. We need 'em.
I introduced one of my rules in a previous post and I realized I should throw them all out there. I have THREE (3) Rules of Engagement. I do most everything in threes - I don't like the black-white binary absolutism: 3 is the magic number of the Universe. If you care to debate me on it, bring it on. Anyway, I digress, and I do tend to do that on regular basis.
Point being, these three rules are the superstructure upon which I will hang my awesome-incredible-how-the-Hell-did-he-come-up-with-that Social Media Engagement for Causes framework. Twist THAT, M. Night.
Again, I digress.
RULE #1
BE HUMAN
Speak your mind. Be nice and polite, but say what you mean and be direct. It is social media, after all. By the way, be very careful with sarcasm, wit, and satire - from a text-based perspective, it may not go over as well as you'd like; worse still, you may be considered too clever by half :-P. It's better to appear wide-eyed rather than cynical.
RULE #2
ESTABLISH & MAINTAIN PRESENCE
Form a consistent persona, and promote it, even if there are multiple people working the line - you (and your partners/volunteers) ARE the CAUSE. You represent it, you own it. You are now in the business of collecting Likes, Follows, +1s, Shares, Retweets, ad infinitum.
RULE #3
PARTICIPATE
Pretty straightforward, yes? Reply and respond and, well, ENGAGE. It's an enormous conversation - a massive cocktail party where every one wants your undivided attention, and you want theirs. Be a social butterfly! Pollinate and flutter along. Understand the difference between quality and quantity: 20,000 followers who want you to read their blog, buy their crap, and view vanity projects versus 100 dedicated spirits retweeting your replies to their concerns and hopes - you do the math!
So. There. Rules.
FYI - MONITOR - the M in the framework - would attach to Rule #3. I think. Sure, we'll run with that.
*For instance strategy, campaign, target. Not much of a fan of audience, too, as it suggests a unilateral association between message transmission and reception. You don't want an audience. You want relationships.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Passion!
I do this thing, but really - What is it I am "doing"?
More to the point, what GOOD am I doing? I'm promoting the good works, good causes, and good messages of good people - true, enough - and I'd like to think in time I will contribute to the conversation with regards to social media engagement.
But, aside from those things, what is it I believe in? What are my causes? What is it I stand for?
You gotta have PASSION. Maybe it's a passion for your one and only true love; doing good; pets; reading & learning; teaching; skydiving; or, comic books. SomeTHING must grab you, hold you, speak to you. You can't live with out it because it hurts when it's absent. It compels you.
Granted, we should temper our passions. It makes them sweeter, and there are some passions that are unhealthy and even danger compulsions, e.g. neuroses and psychoses. Your passions simply cannot harm others. It's just plain wrong, and this is one of maybe a few things about which I am absolute (not relativistic): DO NO HARM.
(I once was passionate about politics - but that drove my blood pressure up high and ran off some friends. I tempered that passion, and I'm better for it.)
So our causes - those things we believe in so ardently, so fervently, so adamantly that we serve them without question - and, thus, our STANDS are the functions of passion. They can be exclusive of our careers and incomes. In fact you pursue them without regard of cost and time.
The question then, for me is "What am I passionate about?"
In no particular order to imply importance...
Broad passions - yes. I am working to stand for them all.
Join me, won't you?
More to the point, what GOOD am I doing? I'm promoting the good works, good causes, and good messages of good people - true, enough - and I'd like to think in time I will contribute to the conversation with regards to social media engagement.
But, aside from those things, what is it I believe in? What are my causes? What is it I stand for?
You gotta have PASSION. Maybe it's a passion for your one and only true love; doing good; pets; reading & learning; teaching; skydiving; or, comic books. SomeTHING must grab you, hold you, speak to you. You can't live with out it because it hurts when it's absent. It compels you.
Granted, we should temper our passions. It makes them sweeter, and there are some passions that are unhealthy and even danger compulsions, e.g. neuroses and psychoses. Your passions simply cannot harm others. It's just plain wrong, and this is one of maybe a few things about which I am absolute (not relativistic): DO NO HARM.
(I once was passionate about politics - but that drove my blood pressure up high and ran off some friends. I tempered that passion, and I'm better for it.)
So our causes - those things we believe in so ardently, so fervently, so adamantly that we serve them without question - and, thus, our STANDS are the functions of passion. They can be exclusive of our careers and incomes. In fact you pursue them without regard of cost and time.
The question then, for me is "What am I passionate about?"
In no particular order to imply importance...
- Family
- Community
- Justice
- Fairness
- Liberty
Broad passions - yes. I am working to stand for them all.
Join me, won't you?
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Horror in Aurora, CO
Overnight a madman terrorized hundreds and took the lives of at least 12 innocent people attending the midnight premiere of a long-awaited film, The Dark Knight Rises, in Aurora, Colorado.
I am sickened by this violent act and saddened to the core at the horror, pain, and loss. I hope all the activists, talking heads, and navel-gazers on the variety of media-muddled topics this churns up will give it a rest for a few days at least. It is further prayed that this will not become political theater.
Then again, hope springs eternal. I already see from my various newsfeeds & search results the pundit-class sharks swimming amid the chum.
We are all simply AMERICANS at this moment. I wish to offer only my deepest and heartfelt sympathies at this terrible time to the victims of this truly senseless, horrific tragedy.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Facebook is LAME!
No, Facebook is a way of life, a social monolith and it is not going anywhere. Love it or hate it, most of us are there.
That said, it is also an excellent way of sharing a message - though it should not be the ONLY social element in your engagement framework.
Fan pages need Likes and interactions.
Please please please Like Texas Social Helps Out.
I should probably install their little widget doo-dad, too.
File this under "Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time"
It should be noted that an organization posing as a personal profile is actionable by Facebook. All it takes is one or two disgruntled or mean-spirited complaints to get it shut down tout-suite. All gone, no appeal, no recovery of data.
Don't lose hundreds, perhaps even thousands of "friends" and potential connections - launch a fan page instead. It has useful metrics not available to the personal profile.
That said, it is also an excellent way of sharing a message - though it should not be the ONLY social element in your engagement framework.
Fan pages need Likes and interactions.
Please please please Like Texas Social Helps Out.
I should probably install their little widget doo-dad, too.
File this under "Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time"
It should be noted that an organization posing as a personal profile is actionable by Facebook. All it takes is one or two disgruntled or mean-spirited complaints to get it shut down tout-suite. All gone, no appeal, no recovery of data.
Don't lose hundreds, perhaps even thousands of "friends" and potential connections - launch a fan page instead. It has useful metrics not available to the personal profile.
You're Gonna Give It Up For Free
"Free" is not always free.
Are you a member of the creative community? A shooter, a producer, an editor, an actor, a writer, a graphic designer, an artist, a musician? As you see it, are you well established?
You think you are talented & skilled. I understand that - I feel much the same way about myself. You should feel that way. It's called confidence.
By now it is possible you have served an internship, for higher education credit or otherwise. Mine didn't exactly break me into the business, but I'm told others have benefited more.
It is also possible you are still working for free: on the promise of favors, points, future consideration, or partnership.
I personally feel creatives should get paid, every time. The Biz, the industry, the scene does not always share my point of view: there's a tradition of using the creative. It's like hazing, only They call it paying dues.
So you're definitely gonna give it up, put out so to speak. You might even go to some personal expense, experience some measure of financial loss, all on the wink and nudge of hopeful reciprocity.
WHY NOT DO IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE? Volunteer your time, effort, talent, skills, and even your equipment to a charitable event or public service production. You'll make connections and build a reputation for independence and reliability. Heck, there may even be some room in their budget for an honorarium.
EDITED to include mention of musicians! Sorry about that - I'm more attuned to the visual components of entertainment given my background, training, and general tone-deafness :)
Are you a member of the creative community? A shooter, a producer, an editor, an actor, a writer, a graphic designer, an artist, a musician? As you see it, are you well established?
You think you are talented & skilled. I understand that - I feel much the same way about myself. You should feel that way. It's called confidence.
By now it is possible you have served an internship, for higher education credit or otherwise. Mine didn't exactly break me into the business, but I'm told others have benefited more.
It is also possible you are still working for free: on the promise of favors, points, future consideration, or partnership.
I personally feel creatives should get paid, every time. The Biz, the industry, the scene does not always share my point of view: there's a tradition of using the creative. It's like hazing, only They call it paying dues.
So you're definitely gonna give it up, put out so to speak. You might even go to some personal expense, experience some measure of financial loss, all on the wink and nudge of hopeful reciprocity.
WHY NOT DO IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE? Volunteer your time, effort, talent, skills, and even your equipment to a charitable event or public service production. You'll make connections and build a reputation for independence and reliability. Heck, there may even be some room in their budget for an honorarium.
EDITED to include mention of musicians! Sorry about that - I'm more attuned to the visual components of entertainment given my background, training, and general tone-deafness :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Social Media Engagement for Causes
I realize I need to write more: content is king!
That said, I'll begin to roll-out what I consider a framework or methodology of Social Media Engagement for Causes (in particular) that I've been developing as a matter of trial-and-error, some research, and deductive reasoning.
I am NOT a social media expert! In fact I take exception to the word "expert" in the context of the new frontier "social" represents, as well as "best practices." Once upon a time experts insisted the world was flat and best practices included bleeding to balance humors.
Of importance to my thesis is the distinction to be made between engagement as a variable of social media MARKETING (an exploit of what I term Big Marketing), and engagement as a function of relationship communications.
The first rule of social media engagement is: BE HUMAN. I did not make this up.
The first letter of my framework is M.
M is for...
That said, I'll begin to roll-out what I consider a framework or methodology of Social Media Engagement for Causes (in particular) that I've been developing as a matter of trial-and-error, some research, and deductive reasoning.
I am NOT a social media expert! In fact I take exception to the word "expert" in the context of the new frontier "social" represents, as well as "best practices." Once upon a time experts insisted the world was flat and best practices included bleeding to balance humors.
Of importance to my thesis is the distinction to be made between engagement as a variable of social media MARKETING (an exploit of what I term Big Marketing), and engagement as a function of relationship communications.
The first rule of social media engagement is: BE HUMAN. I did not make this up.
The first letter of my framework is M.
M is for...
MONITOR
Engagement suggests the building of social relationships. In order to engage you must be aware of where you exist in the virtual conversation. This is both more or less an understanding of your own SEO in practice. Monitor your social, inside and outside. Pay attention to who Follows you, Likes you, +1s you, etc. and writes anything at all about you and your cause. Just Google it!
Friday, July 13, 2012
143+ Volunteers Needed - Casting Call! - Cedar Park, 7/14
I am not what you might ever or in any way call a religious man.
Nevertheless, I am committed to providing a voice for ALL opportunities for community service brought to my immediate attention, as long as it passes the sniff test for basic humanity, such as non-discriminatory practices and general fairness.
That said, reposted below is from my personal friend Robert Stewart, executive producer of a film that is sweeping festivals worldwide, Hombre y Tierra (I'm looking forward to getting a screener of it). This is an opportunity to not only work with a talented producer in a large-scale live entertainment event, but to also to assist the Hill Country Food Bank. Emphases and links mine.
Besides, you could be one of 13 Jesuses (plural, anyone?). And that's just all right with me!
PLEASE NOTE: Bob is a tough fella and consummate professional - he demands, expects commitment. Don't audition if you aren't down with the work. That's a best practice for any volunteer, come to think of it.
Nevertheless, I am committed to providing a voice for ALL opportunities for community service brought to my immediate attention, as long as it passes the sniff test for basic humanity, such as non-discriminatory practices and general fairness.
That said, reposted below is from my personal friend Robert Stewart, executive producer of a film that is sweeping festivals worldwide, Hombre y Tierra (I'm looking forward to getting a screener of it). This is an opportunity to not only work with a talented producer in a large-scale live entertainment event, but to also to assist the Hill Country Food Bank. Emphases and links mine.
As many of you already know, I took a volunteer position this year for a production hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cedar Park, to produce an amazing 10 scene dramatic presentation entitled, "Follow The Star", which narrates the entire life of Jesus, rather than the typical, stand alone Nativity scene. It is a huge undertaking. All proceeds of food and cash donations benefit the Hill Country Food Bank, which is now feeding and clothing some 450 families in the Cedar Park/Leander area. So...all my actor friends, and you know who you are, if you would like to volunteer your talent to this Production, help out a good cause, assisting those in need, please read the cast call below and I will look forward to seeing some of you on Saturday!
Follow The Star - Casting Call
Saturday July 14, 9 a.m - 1 p.m.
Actual Performances December 6-8 2012
Full Dress Rehearsal on December 5th
Additional Rehearsal TBD
Come one, come all to the Follow The Star Casting Call!. 143+ actors are needed! Be part of this amazing production. We need towns people, Roman soldiers, multiple, young Marys, Disciples, and young men to portray Jesus on the cross. Over 13 Jesus' are needed!
Stop in between the hours of 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. and sign up to be part of the cast. We will have some minor paperwork to fill out and then will be taking a head shot for reference. Bring your friends!
FOR MORE INFO: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on FacebookThey've shot a trailer, too.
Besides, you could be one of 13 Jesuses (plural, anyone?). And that's just all right with me!
PLEASE NOTE: Bob is a tough fella and consummate professional - he demands, expects commitment. Don't audition if you aren't down with the work. That's a best practice for any volunteer, come to think of it.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Failure Analysis
For a little over a decade I've been trying to make a "go" of it in the entertainment industry, with mixed results. I'm finally at a place in my life, and, with myself, that allows me to admit it's just not gonna happen. Totally fine with it - I've got lots going on that fulfills me.
So I'm trying this thing.
I work long hours most of the week and when I get home I really just want to spend time with my loved ones. That said, blogging and other social media activities are a weekend distraction, a proper hobby. The fact is I was never really able to commit to the time and effort demanded of the Biz, even as I worked to "promote" and publicize the work being done in Texas (mostly Austin). Without regret or apology: I won't sacrifice the little down time I have attending events, volunteering my analyses, and "networking." I guess I'm kind of a curmudgeon.
I do enjoy writing, I love Texas entertainment, and I really dig social media - not as a job, come to find out. I found almost no satisfaction in promoting people's work that really didn't *need* the help. All-in-one producers are DIY to the death it seems, for good or for ill. More power to them. I'd rather help those who need it and want it, and, frankly, appreciate it.
So what EXACTLY is this thing?
My hope is that it becomes a community of cause-driven, civic-minded organizers ("dugooders") AND production personnel: a meeting place for the two to come together, get introduced, and work with one another. In addition, I'll offer perspectives and plugs on a variety of topics, especially as pertains to Social Media, non-profits (broadly conceived), community efforts, and Texas media production.
Social Media Engagement is the tool I'll employ to build awareness - and I hope others will join me. It's not about volume - it's about the quality of Followers, shares, Likes, +1s, etc.
Social Media Engagement is the tool I'll employ to build awareness - and I hope others will join me. It's not about volume - it's about the quality of Followers, shares, Likes, +1s, etc.
I like to think much can be gained from a sincere failure analysis - unflinching introspection. Ignoring what doesn't work and elevating the successes is, in my experience, a recipe for disaster. I've got many opinions & bones to pick, so, occasionally I'll take the role of gadfly and social critic. I like to rant, which some find entertaining, too!
Find me on Facebook - Like & post. Follow me on Twitter, @TexSHO - I follow back!
Later today I hope to post on Social Media Engagement, and to highlight some upcoming events and opportunities to give back.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sweet
Just downloaded the Blogger for Android app. Neat interface. I tend to favor ease & convenience of use, like Twitter and Facebook when on-the-go. No more excuses! (Except limited battery life.)
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