[Nfb-editors] Reaching this generation through social networks

Mon May 9 22:30:07 UTC 2011

Dave,

I wasn't knocking listservs.  I just listed the multiple ways Minnesota 
communicates.  The Minnesota discussion list has very low activity, and it 
has not been widely promoted, while the announce list is authorized for only 
a few people.  NFBnet, Facebook, and Twitter are all linked from our Website 
and now in the Minnesota Bulletin.

I agree that listservs can be a very valuable tool for communication, and am 
glad others have made great use of them.

Tom

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
To: "Correspondence Committee Mailing List" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 09, 2011 12:46 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this generation through social networks

> Hi Tom:
>
> I agree with most of what you say about social media.  At the risk of 
> seeming defensive I will disagree with what you say about mailing lists, 
> or listserv's.  A number of states have very dynamic and useful lists, 
> including, but not limited to Washington, California, Missouri, Illinois, 
> Florida, Michigan and others.  It is primarily an internal tool, where web 
> sites, Facebook, and Twitter, to a lesser extent, are external or both 
> internal and external.
>
> Minnesota's lists are an announce-only list, and the "discussion list" is 
> hidden, so no wonder a low membership and usage.
>
> Each medium has its strengths and weaknesses, no one is ideal or 
> universal.  Lists are not a complete communication solution, but if 
> appropriately used and nurtured, can be a valuable part of the mix.
>
> Dave
>
> At 10:53 AM 5/9/2011, you wrote:
>>Whatever the original intent of Facebook and Twitter, they are becoming 
>>major marketing methods for business.  That speaks more than anything to 
>>the perceived influence if businesses feel the need to invest in the 
>>effort to use them.
>>
>>NFB of Minnesota has both Facebook and Twitter pages, but we really don't 
>>have any idea of their effectiveness.  We put events such as conventions, 
>>Meet the Blind month, and fundraising on Facebook.  Any time we want to 
>>convey more information than the limits, we put a link to full information 
>>on our Website.
>>
>>As with editing any publication, it takes someone with interest and time. 
>>That is as much a struggle with social media as it is with more formal 
>>publications.
>>
>>Our Twitter page has 150 followers, very few of whom are members.  So it 
>>reaches out far beyond anything we could do otherwise.
>>
>>On Facebook, 132 people currently "like" us.  Again mostly non-members 
>>that we would not reach otherwise.
>>
>>On our NFBnet list we have only 30 subscribers, with little activity at 
>>all.
>>
>>So we find Twitter and Facebook worth the effort we have put into them. 
>>We generally put the same thing on both since they do not seem to have a 
>>lot of overlap, and we will be doing more.
>>
>>As for the younger generation, every generation thinks the one before it 
>>really screwed up and the one after it is a pathetic mess.  I really don't 
>>see any difference in the current situation, or any truth in the 
>>perception.
>>
>>Tom Scanlan
>>
>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" 
>><bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
>>To: <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
>>Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2011 3:45 PM
>>Subject: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this generation through social networks
>>
>>
>>>In my experience, social networking is used as a casual means of
>>>communication.  People flock to social network cites for entertainment,
>>>but when it comes to using cites like Facebook and Twitter to
>>>communicate real news and information, very few people are interested in
>>>this.
>>>
>>>In Omaha, NE, our chapter has a Facebook that was created 2 years ago,
>>>but it is never used.  As part of a PR plan, I am making recommendations
>>>for the chapter's Facebook page, but I do not see, at this point in
>>>time, social network cites being a huge asset in terms of a true
>>>information source.
>>>
>>>First, in order to truly make this work, you need someone, preferably a
>>>couple of people, who will be dedicated to updating the cite.  This
>>>means including new info in timely fashions, addressing questions and
>>>comments as they are made, creating and sending event info to people and
>>>seeking new members to the cite.  Depending on how active your page is,
>>>this could require daily updates, but I would say weekly or biweekly at
>>>the least.  You should probably include some visual element, though
>>>Facebook and Twitter are not like a website or personal blog where you
>>>can develop an entire artistic aspect.
>>>
>>>They are limited to what visual you can create since the websites
>>>themselves already have graphic designs meant to keep the cites
>>>consistent and recognizable.  This may not be the best analogy, but it
>>>is similar to how a newspaper or magazine creates everything to be
>>>recognized as material from their source.  You may use certain material
>>>unique to you, but ultimately it will follow the design of that
>>>publication.
>>>
>>>With Facebook and Twitter, and I'm no expert, you can create some
>>>specific graphics-- some of this is accessible, most not-- and of course
>>>you can upload pictures.
>>>
>>>I am familiar with Facebook, but not as much with Twitter.  Facebook
>>>requires a "following."  You must either "invite" people through the
>>>website to your page, or people can request your page as a "friend."
>>>Otherwise, people are limited to what information they can access on
>>>your page.  I think the same is true for Twitter, but I'm not sure.
>>>
>>>Also, for updating and informing about dates and times of events and
>>>activities, these cites can be good, but if trying to communicate info
>>>similar to what is available in a newsletter, or even email, Twitter and
>>>Facebook are not the routes to go.  Twitter only allows, I believe, up
>>>to 140 words per post, and Facebook, though lengthier post can be done,
>>>is not really meant for this kind of info.
>>>
>>>Now, using either as a tool to pique curiosity, this could work.  People
>>>can initially be drawn to your group to learn more.  You may offer small
>>>tid-bits of info such as event advertisements, or some sound-bite of
>>>interesting info that may wet minds, but as a true source of news,
>>>social network cites are not intended for this purpose.
>>>
>>>Websites and blogs would be the route to take if you are looking to
>>>create an online news source.  I have no clue how to create websites and
>>>blogs.  I know Wordpress is a common blog-creator and it is accessible,
>>>but beyond this, I have no answers.  Your best bet is to find someone
>>>who has experience in creating websites and blogs.  Blogs, I've been
>>>told, are pretty easy to create, but websites are more involved.
>>>
>>>It will also cost to create and maintain websites and some blogs.
>>>Websites can be costly so you will have to research.
>>>
>>>Blogs and websites can be as advanced and sophisticated as you are able
>>>to make them.  You have complete control over the visual design and what
>>>kind of content you provide.
>>>
>>>Again, you will require people who will keep the cite updated, and with
>>>a website or blog, this will require more diligence than social network
>>>cites.  In order to maintain an active website, your webmaster will have
>>>to be on top of things checking if material is current, relevant and
>>>appropriate.
>>>
>>>Here is my opinion.  If it isn't flashy and fun, the younger generations
>>>won't pay attention.  The sad reality is that the days of revolution are
>>>coming to an end.  There was a time when the younger generations felt
>>>the fire, were eager to march and take up the fight.  They paid
>>>attention to those who came before.  They anticipated speeches and news
>>>sources.  They actively participated alongside veterans.  I think my
>>>generation is when the break happened- those of us born in the late 70s
>>>and early 80s.
>>>
>>>The same fervor and passion that drew people together and left a stamp
>>>on past generations-- Harlem Renaissance, voting rights, Civil Rights
>>>era, womens lib, hippy movement, etc.-- We are now creating a society of
>>>people who require instant communication, but it must come in as small,
>>>but pretty, package as possible.  The fire is not dead, yet, but the
>>>attention span no longer exist.
>>>
>>>Even ten years ago when it was students speaking the loudest about the
>>>war in Iraq and genocide in Africa, this has changed.  I think we are
>>>becoming sterile.  It once was students leading us into revolution, but
>>>I see this happening less and less.   In my experience, I see very few
>>>younger people eager and excited to take up arms.  When there are fun
>>>activities that do not require work, they will flock from all over, but
>>>they are asked to do anything that even remotely seems boring, you hear
>>>crickets chirping.
>>>
>>>Our state has a walk for independence each spring.  We usually have all
>>>of 5 younger people show up to participate, and usually they are on the
>>>board of the student division.  However, the NE student division takes
>>>an annual trip to Worlds of Fun and let me tell you, they have
>>>difficulty providing enough transportation.
>>>
>>>This is not meant to be a call to give up.  I'm just saying that the
>>>traditional methods of involvement, communications and information no
>>>longer work to draw a younger audience.
>>>
>>>Even if we create blogs or social network pages, we have to rethink how
>>>to present ourselves.  To be honest, if younger people-- and some older
>>>people too-- don't feel as though you are doing something for them,
>>>offering them something, many have no interest.
>>>
>>>We are not a social organization, though this is an element, and we
>>>can't change the goals of the Federation to be fun, social activities
>>>only, but I think the entire organization needs a wake-up call.  While
>>>many of our veterans are still active and going, we will be okay, but
>>>once more and more of the younger generation starts taking over, I
>>>wonder about the future of the organization.
>>>
>>>As those of you from the 60s said, The times are changing."  It doesn't
>>>take a rocket scientist to observe the turn the world has taken.  The
>>>problems we face in the NFB are problems the entire world are dealing
>>>with.
>>>
>>>And this brings me back to what is the purpose and direction of our
>>>newsletters.  Yes, I said it, I am still beating that horse!  *smile*
>>>And I'm probably inadvertently starting another controversial debate!
>>>LOL  I am a menace and should be stopped!  *smile*
>>>
>>>In a nutshell, which this communication certainly has not been, I do not
>>>find social network cites to be a valid tool communicating the kind of
>>>news and info we are attempting to provide.  Facebook and Twitter can be
>>>great supplemental tools that provide some fun and new ways to update
>>>with morsels, but at best, they will only be ways to advertise and
>>>remind-- not inform and educate.
>>>
>>>Website and blogs have a better chance of expressing this type of
>>>material, but again, I think we are coming to the end of the age when
>>>the written word had the same kind of power and sway it once did.  Which
>>>sucks since I'm a writer by traide!
>>>
>>>When people can communicate via live chat, or You Tube, or in 140 words,
>>>articles and other longer print sources no longer have the same affect
>>>as they once did.
>>>
>>>Bridgit
>>>
>>>Message: 1
>>>Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:49:54 -0700
>>>From: "Tina Hansen" <th404 at comcast.net>
>>>To: "Correspondence Committee Mailing List" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
>>>Subject: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this Generation through Social
>>>Newtorks
>>>Message-ID: <09FDDF9C97AF4D968A09D39F24EA200C at tinad85eb5cc31>
>>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>>
>>>I know that the current generation is very much up on the social network
>>>sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. They also love to blog. I
>>>had a discussion with a good friend of mine last night, and this friend
>>>argues that we ought to use these new tools to communicate our messages.
>>>
>>>I know that while some other states now have a blog, Facebook page or
>>>Twitter account, ours doesn't. My thinking is that if we were to create
>>>a blog, Facebook page or Twitter account, we could use that for
>>>podcasts, testimonials from members, and possibly our newsletter.
>>>Personally, I plan to make it a personal project this year to get over
>>>my fears and do something about this myself, possibly with some help
>>>from others in my affiliate.
>>>
>>>If any of you have done this in your affiliate, I'd like to hear what
>>>you've done to make this happen. How do you ensure that blind and
>>>sighted visitors find the site both accessible and visually attractive.
>>>I know that I'm not that good with graphics, and much better with words,
>>>but I also recognize that our visual culture likes attractive graphics.
>>>If you've created a blog, what platform is the most accessible? If
>>>you've created a Facebook page, how did you go about it?
>>>
>>>If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
>>>
>>>------------------------------
>>>
>>>Message: 2
>>>Date: Sun, 1 May 2011 06:16:36 -0500
>>>From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
>>>To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
>>>Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this Generation through Social
>>>Networks
>>>Message-ID: <00a401cc07f1$3c775cb0$b5661610$@cox.net>
>>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>
>>>Tina
>>>
>>>A super current thought --- a question that we will address at
>>>convention during the Newsletter Publication committee meeting.
>>>Discussion here and now would help to solidify the scope of this trend
>>>needing to be addressed. What do we hear on TV --- "Face Book 600
>>>million and counting --- Twitter 200 million and counting!" "Newspapers
>>>are failing and hard-copy issues are being over shadowed by on-line
>>>presentation." "Cell phones that are computers in your pocket!"
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>[mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>On Behalf Of Tina Hansen
>>>Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 11:50 PM
>>>To: Correspondence Committee Mailing List
>>>Subject: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this Generation through Social Newtorks
>>>
>>>I know that the current generation is very much up on the social network
>>>sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. They also love to blog. I
>>>had a discussion with a good friend of mine last night, and this friend
>>>argues that we ought to use these new tools to communicate our messages.
>>>
>>>I know that while some other states now have a blog, Facebook page or
>>>Twitter account, ours doesn't. My thinking is that if we were to create
>>>a blog, Facebook page or Twitter account, we could use that for
>>>podcasts, testimonials from members, and possibly our newsletter.
>>>Personally, I plan to make it a personal project this year to get over
>>>my fears and do something about this myself, possibly with some help
>>>from others in my affiliate.
>>>
>>>If any of you have done this in your affiliate, I'd like to hear what
>>>you've done to make this happen. How do you ensure that blind and
>>>sighted visitors find the site both accessible and visually attractive.
>>>I know that I'm not that good with graphics, and much better with words,
>>>but I also recognize that our visual culture likes attractive graphics.
>>>If you've created a blog, what platform is the most accessible? If
>>>you've created a Facebook page, how did you go about it?
>>>
>>>If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>Nfb-editors mailing list
>>>Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>Nfb-editors:
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%40
>>>cox.
>>>net
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>------------------------------
>>>
>>>Message: 3
>>>Date: Sun, 1 May 2011 09:58:45 -0700
>>>From: Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com>
>>>To: "newmanrl at cox.net" <newmanrl at cox.net>, Correspondence Committee
>>>Mailing List <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
>>>Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this Generation through Social
>>>Networks
>>>Message-ID: <04BF4903-331D-426A-8BAD-A52062445695 at panix.com>
>>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>>
>>>And yet I'm not convinced people truly read and carefully consider all
>>>the "information" that comes at them thru social media.
>>>
>>>Mike Freeman
>>>sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>
>>>On May 1, 2011, at 4:16, "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
>>>wrote:
>>>
>>>>Tina
>>>>
>>>>A super current thought --- a question that we will address at
>>>>convention during the Newsletter Publication committee meeting.
>>>>Discussion here and now would help to solidify the scope of this trend
>>>
>>>>needing to be addressed. What do we hear on TV --- "Face Book 600
>>>>million and counting --- Twitter 200 million and counting!"
>>>>"Newspapers are failing and hard-copy issues are being over shadowed
>>>>by on-line presentation." "Cell phones that are computers in your
>>>>pocket!"
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>>From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>[mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>On Behalf Of Tina Hansen
>>>>Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 11:50 PM
>>>>To: Correspondence Committee Mailing List
>>>>Subject: [Nfb-editors] Reaching this Generation through Social
>>>Newtorks
>>>>
>>>>I know that the current generation is very much up on the social
>>>>network sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. They also love to
>>>
>>>>blog. I had a discussion with a good friend of mine last night, and
>>>>this friend argues that we ought to use these new tools to communicate
>>>
>>>>our messages.
>>>>
>>>>I know that while some other states now have a blog, Facebook page or
>>>>Twitter account, ours doesn't. My thinking is that if we were to
>>>>create a blog, Facebook page or Twitter account, we could use that for
>>>
>>>>podcasts, testimonials from members, and possibly our newsletter.
>>>>Personally, I plan to make it a personal project this year to get over
>>>
>>>>my fears and do something about this myself, possibly with some help
>>>>from others in my affiliate.
>>>>
>>>>If any of you have done this in your affiliate, I'd like to hear what
>>>>you've done to make this happen. How do you ensure that blind and
>>>>sighted visitors find the site both accessible and visually
>>>>attractive. I know that I'm not that good with graphics, and much
>>>>better with words, but I also recognize that our visual culture likes
>>>>attractive graphics. If you've created a blog, what platform is the
>>>>most accessible? If you've created a Facebook page, how did you go
>>>>about it?
>>>>
>>>>If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>Nfb-editors mailing list
>>>>Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
>>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>Nfb-editors:
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%
>>>>40cox.
>>>>net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>Nfb-editors mailing list
>>>>Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
>>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>Nfb-editors:
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40p
>>>>anix.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>------------------------------
>>>
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>Nfb-editors mailing list
>>>Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfb-editors mailing list
> Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfb-editors:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org/tom.scanlan%40earthlink.net
> 