Per my post last week, this will be my last regular contribution to the Buzz Bin (The Roman Road image by Erwlas). Before I begin, I want to thank my many loyal readers who said kind things to me off and online about the blog. You rock.
At first, I was tempted to pull my usual poorly read future technology post where I would wax poetic about the coming augmented reality boom, and how it would impact the online communications business. But that didn’t seem fair to you, so instead let’s discuss “The Right Way” to use social tools for online communications. I say that because so much of my early dialogue and many of the posts and conversations I see on Twitter and blogs concern themselves with The Right Way.
It seems fair to say now that there are many right ways. That many roads lead to Rome. I won’t go so far as to say all roads (you astroturfing turkeys), but that there remains more than one way to do this.
Consider this media form, and what the right way to blog is. I’ve stated my opinion, but that’s what’s worked for me. Some blog for incredibly long wandering lengths (my judgment), but are deemed to be top thought leaders. Others fail to link regularly or at all, rarely give credit to other bloggers, and don’t accept comments, yet they remain on top. Their staying power remains a testimony to their style — or if this was Kung Fu, their school — of blogging.
The same phenomena occurs with right or wrong ways to execute community management, participate in social networks, execute blogger relations, etc., etc. Many methods have produced results.
So, my parting thoughts are less absolute than a consultant’s probably should be. Yet my experience tells me that the Way is not as finite as many of us claim it to be. Instead perhaps we can share and cherish our many different experiences, our individual journeys that have yielded successes, and collectively accept them and use them to better ourselves and the general conversation about online communications.
Just a thought. Again, in parting, thank you. Writing for you about social media from a marketing communications perspective has changed my life for the better. I will always be in your debt for your feedback, loyalty and, in so many cases, newfound friendship. A lotus flower for you (Image by Swami Stream).
Geoff,
Your presence will be missed here. But I’m glad too see some talent emerging at the Buzz Bin and know that while the places may change that you’ll still touch on communication from time to time. Anyway, it’s been fun connecting with you at the bin. Look forward to what;s next.
Best,
Rich
Full cycle…congrats :)
A wonderful way to end it, Geoff. And I’ll always remember being there at the beginning of the Buzz Bin (NVTC) and the end (Helix). Funny how things work out!
Thanks for all you’ve done to build community – in so many public and non-public ways. I know you’ll keep on at that, and I look forward to watching where the road takes you – with respect and admiration,
Lynn