technology

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blogs for social change

on December 5, 2008 · No Comments

This is my parting post prior to going offline in an effort to dig completely into finance, for Thursday’s final exam. With a little luck, I’ll survive with all limbs in tact. However in order to satisfy my own blogging desires, and to leave you with something worthwhile, here’s Beth Kanter‘s Top 10 Nonprofit Technology [...]

This is my parting post prior to going offline in an effort to dig completely into finance, for Thursday’s final exam. With a little luck, I’ll survive with all limbs in tact.

However in order to satisfy my own blogging desires, and to leave you with something worthwhile, here’s Beth Kanter‘s Top 10 Nonprofit Technology (NPTech) and Social Media for Social Change Blogs (courtesy of Blogs.com):

Amy Sample Ward‘s Version of NPTech
CauseWired
Have Fun Do Good
Katya Andresen: Nonprofit Marketing Blog
Laura’s Notebook
Qui Diaz – Evange.list
Social Actions
Social Citizens Blog
SocialButterfly
ext337

Of course I had to add a plug for Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), while they might not be what typically comes to mind in regards to social change via blogging (since they are a public access center), they are nonetheless breaking the stereotype and doing just that. They are rapidly honing in and expanding upon the idea of localism, what it means, what it looks like and how is can be harnessed. CCTV is utilizing social media in a way that’s causing the metamorphosis of the public access community, which is increasingly critical as the traditional access model continues to be threaten .

Visit Save Access for more.

bright, shiny and new doesn’t always equal effective communication

on December 4, 2008 · 3 Comments

3. Tim reminded us that a medium is just a “means of human communication.” Media include everything from printed newspapers and blogs to smoke signals and church sermons (Courtesy of Tim Walker, Social Media Breakfast Austin). I love this statement, it’s simple, to the point and something that is rooted in my own ideology. It’s [...]

3. Tim reminded us that a medium is just a “means of human communication.” Media include everything from printed newspapers and blogs to smoke signals and church sermons (Courtesy of Tim Walker, Social Media Breakfast Austin).

I love this statement, it’s simple, to the point and something that is rooted in my own ideology. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamor of the tools. There are lots of them, but the tools won’t magically work by themselves, they need to be directed in a thoughtful manner. As a communicator, marketer, consumer, or other, you have a responsibility to determine if the methods of communication are appropriate to the task, goal or audience.

Miscommunication occurs all the time. There’s an art to communication, to understanding the recipient and how 500+ other factors can play with or against the message you are offering. Perception and interpretation are paradoxical, even more so with the onset of so many new means of communication. It’s easy to be persuaded by the shinier offerings, but sometimes the most effective means of communication is found in the most simple acts, a phone call, note, hand shake or cup of coffee.

So before you get drawn into the bright light, think about what you’re trying to achieve, who you’re trying to reach, how they prefer to be conversed with and lastly, what you want that interaction to say about you, because the definition of your own reputation is inevitably wrapped up within the method(s) and means selected.

how do you define literacy

on November 24, 2008 · No Comments

Now, how do you define “media literacy?” The definition, and our associated opinions, no doubt vary widely, based on our own experiences, knowledge and prejudices: Specifically what kind of literacy is being measured? Let’s see the effect on SAT reading and writing scores. Let’s see book sales data demographically. On the one hand, I believe [...]

Now, how do you define “media literacy?”

The definition, and our associated opinions, no doubt vary widely, based on our own experiences, knowledge and prejudices:

Specifically what kind of literacy is being measured? Let’s see the effect on SAT reading and writing scores. Let’s see book sales data demographically.

On the one hand, I believe distractions were always an issue, and the internet has shifted, rather than created them. But on the other, to say it is a benefit, well let’s just see who the sponsors of this study were. It may be a little bit like the medical studies spouting the benefits of chocolate that were found to be funded by Hershey’s and the like.

— Dennis L, New York City (courtesy of NYT community comments)

There is a major disconnect occurring between those who understand the value of the web, media literacy and the future of technology; and those who don’t. This is clearly depicted by the comments made in response to the recent NYT article, Teenagers’ Internet Socializing Not a Bad Thing.

For those of us who are informed, we have a responsibility to aid in the guidance of youth as they navigate the array of skills they are accumulating, but who’s going to guide the adults?

And better yet, how? Media literacy curriculum for parents is dramatically different then media literacy for kids, and education for scholars and corporations are other potentially independent categories. In order to cultivate understanding we must encourage this ever-increasing group of digital natives to think critically and participate mindfully, but that only gets us halfway there; we need to equally allocate literacy among a much broader, and feasibly more challenging, group of constituents.

For more of the community comments, click here.

space: public v. private

on November 21, 2008 · 1 Comment

How do you define [your] space – public v. private, physical v. virtual? This is something that I’m continually pondering as I reassess my involvement in various physical and virtual communities. There is only so much time in a day, and I strive to ensure that my participation is intentional and focused. There are public and private components to both physical and virtual arenas, but it is sometimes easier to define public and private spaces within the physical world as opposed to virtual ones, or at least for me.

Take Facebook, in some ways it is very easy to control how I navigate within this space – I control who I friend, which requests I accept and the options that are selected for the account. However, I am aware of my responsibility as a participant and am mindful of how I want to be perceived within the space. Though it should be noted that I am slightly more aware of my online rights and responsibilities then most.

Like the physical divvying of space, the virtual definition of space should ultimately be left in the hands of the participant, but this is not always the case, as certain sites predefine or default these decisions. Ultimately the question that remains is, how do you make the case for, and enhance, digital literacy to ensure folks are not only educated, but empowered to control their virtual participation with the same thoughtfulness that they impart on their physical lives each and everyday?

diversity and the web

on September 18, 2008 · No Comments

I don’t think that I’m the only African-American edublogger but I have noticed that racial diversity is lacking in the ’sphere. Am I wrong? If not, what are the reasons? What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)? Courtesy of Diversity 2.5.1 (BETA)? (Comic) Diversity isn’t only lacking within educational blogging, [...]

I don’t think that I’m the only African-American edublogger but I have noticed that racial diversity is lacking in the ’sphere. Am I wrong? If not, what are the reasons? What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)? Courtesy of Diversity 2.5.1 (BETA)? (Comic)

Diversity isn’t only lacking within educational blogging, but within the web as a whole. As technology continues to go mainstream, we are faced with new complexities to stagnant issues of racism, classism, ageism and so forth. These isms are taking new shape and being forced to face new challenges with the increased presence of the web.

Today it is expected that you will find a job, apply for college, do research, and connect with your friends all through virtual means, but what if you don’t have a computer or even have access to one? What if you don’t have broadband (p.s. that’s a bigger issue in and of itself)? What if you’re a school with limited resources and outdated technology?

What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)?

A voice isn’t being heard.

Today, more then ever, the web is about conversations and community, but what if the community is missing a potentially powerful member? There are voices waiting to be heard and stories needing to be told. This is occurring in our communities, schools, cities and towns as well as across the world in Africa and a multitude of other countries without the means to participate in the conversation.

Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) is just one example of an organization offering access to their community. They are providing the resources to learn, understand and engage through technical means of communication that would otherwise be out of reach.

For those of us who live our lives wrapped up in technology it’s easy to forget that there is an increasing digital divide that is leaving many in its wake. As a blogger, a social media enthusiastic and a humanitarian it is my responsibly to ensure that everyone has a voice. As the web continues to integrate into our lives I challenge you to be an advocate for the collective conversation not only including those who have the means, but everyone who has a voice.

grassroots use of technology

on June 26, 2008 · No Comments

Beyond work and enjoying a school-free summer, I have been feverishly working on the conference program for this Saturday’s Grassroots Use of Technology. It has been such a refreshing opportunity to stretch both my creative and social wings. Per usual, my creative and socially-oriented self has been on the back burner. This project was what [...]

Beyond work and enjoying a school-free summer, I have been feverishly working on the conference program for this Saturday’s Grassroots Use of Technology.

Grassroots Use of Technology

It has been such a refreshing opportunity to stretch both my creative and social wings. Per usual, my creative and socially-oriented self has been on the back burner. This project was what I needed to rekindled my love affair with the journey of creating. How quickly I forget that creating is just that: a journey, as so much of life is.

Full program: Grassroots Use of Technology Conference Program

This Saturday’s conference brings together a group of talented and passionate visionaries who are leveraging technology to promote a variety of social efforts. If you’re free on Saturday and live in the New England area, then I encourage you attend.

intangibles, roi and social media

on February 4, 2008 · 2 Comments

The one class I’m taking this semester is managerial accounting. While I wasn’t so much a fan of financial accounting I found it an invaluable source of knowledge. Managerial accounting is much more my speed, but offers a unique challenge – a level of ambiguity in a realm of much gray and cost accounting methods [...]

Though it is within this space between the black and white that the accounting for social media occurs. As more and more companies look towards social media as a valid form of branding, marketing and development the question of ROI for such activities is being asked. So how do companies make the financial case for social media when so much of social media cannot be financially accounted for.

Beth Kanter has a great post entitled, Should You Quantify Love? Redux 2, that addresses a layer of this unique challenge.

I am just back from Legal Services Corporation and a keynote on ROI and Nonprofits. Stephen Downes pointed to a post by Jay Cross called “The Income Statement It Isn’t”

Jay Cross is exactly right. “It never ceases to amaze me how many people assess the cost and benefit of projects with accounting approaches developed in Venice in the five hundred years ago.” And, of course, such metrics are useless. “Organizations that make decisions based solely on things that are sufficiently tangible to be counted might as well consult a Ouija board to set their goals.”

In my keynote, I spoke about the importance of intangibles for a couple of reasons.

1.) Intangibles often come in the form of stories or anecdotes about the technology value and if used along with numbers can help make the case.

2.) The discussion around trying to quantify it – can lead to productive conversation about why the technology is important to mission. If the conversations focuses on the results, not the measurement unit.

I tried to make the point by raising the question, “Can you quantify the intangible?” Of course you can’t. But intangibles are important to note and often inform decisions.

The notion of intangibles in accounting seems almost contradictory, but as Beth states “intangibles are important to note and often inform decisions.” It’s critical to assess all the moving pieces, determine the risk associated with each and assemble a strategy that takes everything into account – not just the numbers, but intangibles and their impact on solidifying the desired outcome.

So then the other question is how does one begins to determine what activities would be valuable to the strategic picture – and therefore be leveraged to make a compelling case for resources, support and implementation. Nick Stamoulis’s post entitled, Social Networking: Are You Measuring ROI?, offers some valuable insight.

When it comes to social networking, there are a myriad of activities that involve time. Some of those activities may translate into additional business for your company, but many do not. For instance, finding and approving friends could lead to earned income if one of those friends becomes a customer, but how often does that happen?

One of the many challenges for full adoption of social media into corporations and other institutions is going to be this ambiguity of financial return. Companies are striving to attain their desired bottom-line and decisions are based on the numbers. This isn’t a new concept and has been driven into me throughout my academic and professional life.

But social media offers creative, sustainable solutions that live beyond such stringent monetary boundaries. Social media is valuable. That much has been established, but what makes it a compelling strategic direction is that the impact is not only on an organization’s bottom-line, but rather cultivates strength via relationships, confidence and loyalty – establishing a presence within a global context with an infinite reach.

friday things: social media marketing, marketing with a conscience & bags

on February 1, 2008 · No Comments

Friday articles/posts worth the read: Marketing Monster “Why do companies fear social marketing?” Why do companies fear social marketing (using blogs, social networks, and feeds)? The answer is fairly simple; they see it as unchartered territory. This is according to a recent Coremetrics survey of marketers (read more). Portland Press Herald “Groups use ‘social marketing’ [...]

Friday articles/posts worth the read:

Marketing Monster “Why do companies fear social marketing?”

Why do companies fear social marketing (using blogs, social networks, and feeds)? The answer is fairly simple; they see it as unchartered territory. This is according to a recent Coremetrics survey of marketers (read more).

Portland Press Herald “Groups use ‘social marketing’ to aid environment”

Communities across the globe are turning to community-based social marketing to encourage environmentally conscious behavior, an idea pioneered by environmental psychologist Doug McKenzie-Mohr and based on the idea that sustainable behavior can be marketed using tried-and-true techniques, including peer pressure (read more).

And in an ode to handmade shopping:

moop “…a maker of real nice bags”. The bags are simple, yet eye catching, and the creator’s blog is wonderfully eclectic. Take a peak. I loved their bags so much that I simply had to buy (2)!