OK. So you know I love Twitter and Foursquare. And, yeah, I admit that I check in at church on Foursquare and I’m the mayor of it (which, to be clear, doesn’t mean a crock of sauerkraut). But, I have never tweeted the sermon with a hashtag. Maybe I should. Would people follow? Perhaps. Or they might just think I’m one chicken leg short of a church picnic.
So when I read how social media is creeping into the $78-billion-a-year wedding business, it really didn’t surprise me. Peeps share wacky wedding dance videos on YouTube. Some include “QR” barcodes on invitations or live-stream their ceremony for those unable to attend. Others encourage guests to tweet, supplying the hashtag for crowdsourcing. And still others open their party playlists to let loved ones help choose the music or make interactive seating charts so guests can chat online ahead of time.
If I were getting married today, I’d be totally into all of this. Hubs would probably think I’m crazier than he originally thought, but that’s nothing new. I continue to raise that bar.
And, you know, I might just tweet during Pastor Greg’s next sermon. I already blog about his words of wisdom, why not publish his great soundbites. They’d fit in 140 characters for sure. I knew there was a reason, besides sitting in the “family” pew, that I sit in the back of the church.
What do you think of social media as it relates to weddings?
Cross-posted from Buffy's World
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Check out this social media counter
Check out this social media counter. Way cool.
What do you think? Do the numbers surprise you?
What do you think? Do the numbers surprise you?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Using social media to cover 'Extreme Makeover' story
I first heard about Brian Keefer at the dentist office where his aunt worked. I was there for a six-month checkup, and Mel shared Brian's story with me.
She told me how he was president of the gymnastics club at Lock Haven. How he ran track and field and played volleyball. And she told me about the day that all changed - the day he attempted a triple front flip, more than he had ever attempted.
It was weeks after the gymnastics injury that paralyzed him from the chest down. At the time, Brian was at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia.
I remember thinking at the time how one second can change your life forever. It wasn't the first time I had heard of a promising young athlete becoming paralyzed. When I was a sophomore in college, I covered a story about a football player who dived into the shallow end of a pool. He, too, was paralyzed from the chest down.
That story remains one of the most difficult of my career. To watch someone who made headlines on the gridiron not be able to brush his teeth was difficult. I remember drowning in an avalanche of tears after leaving Elizabethtown Hospital for Children and Youth where I had spent the day reporting the story.
But it was also one of the most rewarding stories I ever covered. I witnessed a star athlete overcome enormous obstacles, and I learned a valuable life lesson in the process. Even today I can't help but smile when I think of Bob Yordy speeding around campus in his wheelchair.
When I returned to the office after my dental appointment, I asked one of my reporters, Jen Vogelsong, to contact the Keefers and tell Brian's story. Jen did just that, spending weeks reporting the story and spending time with Brian and his family. On Oct. 5, 2008, her story ran on the front page of the York Sunday News.
The package included the main story and smaller pieces of text that we in the industry refer to as breakouts. The breakouts included everything from explaining quadriplegia to telling people how they could donate to a medical fund set up to help Brian.
Lots of great photos accompanied the story. There was Brian soaking up the sun in front of his Newberry Township home on his first day back after about 10 weeks at Magee. Brian surprising his cousins during a volleyball practice at Red Land High School. And a photo of Brian's parents, Dawn and Steve, struggling to get him into their minivan for the first time.
But there were no tweets.
No Facebook updates.
No blog posts.
No videos or slideshows or Twitpics.
There was just the published story in the paper, which was also put on ydr.com.
Flash forward to the week of June 19.
News that the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" crew was going to renovate Brian's home spread like an Internet virus.
There were tweets.
Facebook updates and blog posts.
Videos and slideshows and Twitpics. And stories, lots of stories, and photos in print.
Put simply, reporters and photographers told this story in multiple ways using tools that allowed us to be immediate and thorough all at once.
We reported facts that were fleeting (tweeting: "The bus is here!") and we documented the entire story in a way that will stand forever (like the 87-image photo slideshow or the time-lapse video), and we shared it on a mass scale (newspaper, web) and we shared it person-to-person (Facebook).
I had always been touched by Brian's story and his determination, like Bob, to overcome such an enormous challenge. There's something about fighting for the underdog that gets me pumped.
When I wasn't checking ydr.com, where all of the coverage was aggregated under one tab, I was checking my Twitter feed or the blogosphere or Facebook for the latest.
I learned on Facebook that my friend Margie White and her daughter, Jess, visited the site a few times. They were pumped, too.
I read a tweet by Paul Kuehnel about neighbors making Welcome Home signs and saw the Twitpic he included. His tweet was retweeted.
And I watched videos on the Green Mesh blog that brought tears to my eyes.
The ways in which we reported, produced and shared this story have radically changed in just a few short years since Jen first wrote about Brian. And the ways in which I consumed the story and shared it have changed, too.
I will always remember a quote from Brian in Jen's story.
"Someday I'll get up and surprise you."
Brian, I pray for that surprise. And when it happens, you can be sure that we will share your news with the world.
Follow me:
Twitter: @Buffyandrews
Facebook:
--Smart magazine
--Flipsidepa
--York Daily Record/Sunday News
Blogs:
--Buffy's World
--Buffy's Write Zone
She told me how he was president of the gymnastics club at Lock Haven. How he ran track and field and played volleyball. And she told me about the day that all changed - the day he attempted a triple front flip, more than he had ever attempted.
It was weeks after the gymnastics injury that paralyzed him from the chest down. At the time, Brian was at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia.
I remember thinking at the time how one second can change your life forever. It wasn't the first time I had heard of a promising young athlete becoming paralyzed. When I was a sophomore in college, I covered a story about a football player who dived into the shallow end of a pool. He, too, was paralyzed from the chest down.
That story remains one of the most difficult of my career. To watch someone who made headlines on the gridiron not be able to brush his teeth was difficult. I remember drowning in an avalanche of tears after leaving Elizabethtown Hospital for Children and Youth where I had spent the day reporting the story.
But it was also one of the most rewarding stories I ever covered. I witnessed a star athlete overcome enormous obstacles, and I learned a valuable life lesson in the process. Even today I can't help but smile when I think of Bob Yordy speeding around campus in his wheelchair.
When I returned to the office after my dental appointment, I asked one of my reporters, Jen Vogelsong, to contact the Keefers and tell Brian's story. Jen did just that, spending weeks reporting the story and spending time with Brian and his family. On Oct. 5, 2008, her story ran on the front page of the York Sunday News.
The package included the main story and smaller pieces of text that we in the industry refer to as breakouts. The breakouts included everything from explaining quadriplegia to telling people how they could donate to a medical fund set up to help Brian.
Lots of great photos accompanied the story. There was Brian soaking up the sun in front of his Newberry Township home on his first day back after about 10 weeks at Magee. Brian surprising his cousins during a volleyball practice at Red Land High School. And a photo of Brian's parents, Dawn and Steve, struggling to get him into their minivan for the first time.
But there were no tweets.
No Facebook updates.
No blog posts.
No videos or slideshows or Twitpics.
There was just the published story in the paper, which was also put on ydr.com.
Flash forward to the week of June 19.
News that the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" crew was going to renovate Brian's home spread like an Internet virus.
There were tweets.
Facebook updates and blog posts.
Videos and slideshows and Twitpics. And stories, lots of stories, and photos in print.
Put simply, reporters and photographers told this story in multiple ways using tools that allowed us to be immediate and thorough all at once.
We reported facts that were fleeting (tweeting: "The bus is here!") and we documented the entire story in a way that will stand forever (like the 87-image photo slideshow or the time-lapse video), and we shared it on a mass scale (newspaper, web) and we shared it person-to-person (Facebook).
I had always been touched by Brian's story and his determination, like Bob, to overcome such an enormous challenge. There's something about fighting for the underdog that gets me pumped.
When I wasn't checking ydr.com, where all of the coverage was aggregated under one tab, I was checking my Twitter feed or the blogosphere or Facebook for the latest.
I learned on Facebook that my friend Margie White and her daughter, Jess, visited the site a few times. They were pumped, too.
I read a tweet by Paul Kuehnel about neighbors making Welcome Home signs and saw the Twitpic he included. His tweet was retweeted.
And I watched videos on the Green Mesh blog that brought tears to my eyes.
The ways in which we reported, produced and shared this story have radically changed in just a few short years since Jen first wrote about Brian. And the ways in which I consumed the story and shared it have changed, too.
I will always remember a quote from Brian in Jen's story.
"Someday I'll get up and surprise you."
Brian, I pray for that surprise. And when it happens, you can be sure that we will share your news with the world.
------------------------------
Read about Extreme Makeover visit here.
Follow me:
Twitter: @Buffyandrews
Facebook:
--Smart magazine
--Flipsidepa
--York Daily Record/Sunday News
Blogs:
--Buffy's World
--Buffy's Write Zone
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Dealing with digital distractions
I sit in front of a computer with probably a dozen tabs across the page allowing me to switch quickly from one tab to another and juggle multiple accounts and tasks. My iPad sits to the right of me and my Android to the left allowing me to check different things simultaneously. Yes, I'm wired. And sometimes, despite my ability to multitask, I get digitally distracted.
I saw a survey today from social email software provider harmon.ie that said workers are costing companies thousands of dollars in productivity each year because of such distractions. Now, many of you do not work outside the home. But still, how do you deal with digital distractions and keep them at bay when it comes to protecting your coveted writing time? Do you have some tips to offer others that might prevent them from becoming distracted by social media?
Here are the greatest digital distractions noted in the survey:
* Email processing: 23%
* Switching windows to complete tasks: 10%
* Personal online activities such as Facebook: 9%
* Instant messaging: 6%
* Texting: 5%
* Web search: 3%
Can't wait to read your tips.
If you missed it, here's 10 things I've learned from social media.
A column on the digital age isn't so bad and another on lots of ways to connect with our readers.
I saw a survey today from social email software provider harmon.ie that said workers are costing companies thousands of dollars in productivity each year because of such distractions. Now, many of you do not work outside the home. But still, how do you deal with digital distractions and keep them at bay when it comes to protecting your coveted writing time? Do you have some tips to offer others that might prevent them from becoming distracted by social media?
Here are the greatest digital distractions noted in the survey:
* Email processing: 23%
* Switching windows to complete tasks: 10%
* Personal online activities such as Facebook: 9%
* Instant messaging: 6%
* Texting: 5%
* Web search: 3%
Can't wait to read your tips.
If you missed it, here's 10 things I've learned from social media.
A column on the digital age isn't so bad and another on lots of ways to connect with our readers.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
10 things I've learned from social media
I'm not an expert in social media.
Yes, I juggle numerous Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Yes, I maintain two blogs.
And, yes, social media is as much a part of my life as getting up in the morning and going to bed at night.
But I'm no more of an expert in social media than I am in automotive technology. And, for the record, the only thing I know about cars is how to start them!
But I do love social media, and I do love learning new things (except car stuff). So, if passion and attitude and tenacity count for anything, I guess I'm doing OK navigating this ever-changing digital landscape.
With that in mind, here are 10 things I've learned so far in my role as social media coordinator for the York Daily Record/Sunday News.
1. Those who succeed in using social media, whether it's maintaining a blog or Twitter or Facebook account, are those passionate about it. Your enthusiasm will come through in your tweets and posts and your interaction with others.
2. Be yourself. So I'm a bit, er, a lot, of a word nerd, a little obsessive-compulsive and totally into Rolos. Chances are if you follow me on Twitter or read my blogs or my Facebook posts you know this. And, guess what? I'm cool with that. It's who I am. I think that people want to interact with others who keep it real. They can tell if someone is faking it just to get page hits.
3. Social media is a great way to meet people with whom you share a common interest. Take me, for example. I write books for kids and teens and, through various social media platforms, I've connected with other authors around the world. While I would love to meet my cyber friends face to face, that's rarely possible. Still, we're building a network, creating a sense of community and supporting one another despite being thousands of miles apart.
I also have friends who do not work outside the home, and they rely on this virtual support system as their water cooler talk. When your work is by nature personal and isolated, social media and networking can be a lifesaver. Or, at least a sanity saver.
4. Managing social media is a lot of work. Let me say that again: It's a lot of work. It reminds me of building a campfire. (Not that I do this, but that's beside the point. It's a good analogy. And, besides, I enjoy a campfire when somebody else builds one.) You start with the tinder and kindling and gradually grow the fire using larger pieces of wood until it is a glowing masterpiece. But if you think you can just sit back and toast your marshmallows, think again. In order for the fire to keep burning, it has to be fed. Constantly.
Social media is no different. You can design a great blog or create a Twitter or Facebook account, but if you do nothing with these social media platforms, your digital footprint won't grow. People might come once. Maybe twice. But they won't keep returning unless there is new material to see and read.
5. Interaction and knowing your audience are key. If all I do is post stuff - like "I went shopping." - I'm not going to be very successful. I need to ask questions and respond to readers' answers. Social media is about engagement. It's about building relationships, and one of the ways you do this is through conversations. So instead of saying I went shopping, I said:
"I've decided that I need to stay away from Kohl's for awhile. They suck me in with their coupons and then I get the Kohl's cash so I go back and buy even more. I think I've had four huge shopping trips to Kohl's in the past month! Gotta hide those bills from Hubs. So sorry, Kohl's. I'm breaking up for awhile. Oh, I mean after I go back on Wednesday to spend the $30 in Kohl's cash I just earned. (Smiles) Am I alone here peeps?"
Now, which post do you think others would respond to?
6. Social media sites have become landing pages for news. People use them to post news and go to them to get news. Last Saturday during that crazy storm, people were on Twitter and Facebook talking weather for hours. I learned from @Stauchistory on Twitter that his daughter was celebrating her sweet 16th birthday at the West Manchester Mall with her friends, and he was worried (and that made me worry). I saw pictures on Facebook that my friend Paula Gettys Little posted of her flooded home. I read Melanie Crisamore's post (West Manchester Mall + Ripped Roof = Scary Situation) on the Teen Takeover blog of her "great date night."
The way we consume news and share news has changed. It's become more conversational and social and instant and personalized.
7. I've learned to take chances. Not everything's going to work. That's life. Sometimes I post content that I'm sure will draw responses, and it gets none. And sometimes I post something just because ("OK. So, what 40-something wakes up with a zit on her nose? Seriously. Didn't I pay my price like 30 years ago? Not fair. Well, guess there could be worse things. But still. Makes me feel like I'm in high school again.") and it gets lots of hits. I'm not even going to try to figure this one out.
8. I've learned that I love Twitter. There's something about this microblogging platform that appeals to me. Having to condense a thought or, heck, an entire story, into 140 characters is challenging and fun. I love its symbiotic nature, and that it's in real time. I've learned that if I keep my tweets to no more than 120 characters they are more easily retweetable. And, the more retweets I get, the more people I'm reaching.
9. I've learned that social media can be a time hog and that I need to pace myself. I could spend hours commenting on others' blogs and responding to their tweets and pictures and videos. You have to find a balance, one that allows you to have a normal life like most of your neighbors. Don't let the virtual world become your world. Life is for living.
10. I've learned that for better or for worse, social media has changed the world. We're more connected than we've ever been, despite spending less time together physically. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Maybe it's a little of both. I know things about people that I never would have known if it had not been for social media (BTW, kudos to Sarah Rentzel Jones who announced via Facebook she is expecting her third child. YAY, Sarah!).
There's power in social media. It can bring people together for a common cause, or tear them apart. It can help mobilize and energize an effort and lead to change.
But, like most things in life, there are negatives. I'm not blind to them. Neither should you be. By allowing conversation, you do lose some control. But don't be afraid of this. Debate and disagreement can be healthy.
In the end, I think the positives of social media outweigh the negatives.
I started this column by stressing that I'm not an expert, and I'd end it the same way. I'm just someone who's learning as she goes and trying to help you learn, too.
Catch me here
Twitter: @Buffyandrews
Facebook:
Smartmamapa: http://www.facebook.com/smartmamapa
Flipsidepa" http://www.facebook.com/flipsidepa
York Daily Record/Sunday News: http://www.facebook.com/YorkDailyRecord
Blogs:
Buffy's World: http://www.yorkblog.com/buffy
Buffy's Write Zone: http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com/
Yes, I juggle numerous Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Yes, I maintain two blogs.
And, yes, social media is as much a part of my life as getting up in the morning and going to bed at night.
But I'm no more of an expert in social media than I am in automotive technology. And, for the record, the only thing I know about cars is how to start them!
But I do love social media, and I do love learning new things (except car stuff). So, if passion and attitude and tenacity count for anything, I guess I'm doing OK navigating this ever-changing digital landscape.
With that in mind, here are 10 things I've learned so far in my role as social media coordinator for the York Daily Record/Sunday News.
1. Those who succeed in using social media, whether it's maintaining a blog or Twitter or Facebook account, are those passionate about it. Your enthusiasm will come through in your tweets and posts and your interaction with others.
2. Be yourself. So I'm a bit, er, a lot, of a word nerd, a little obsessive-compulsive and totally into Rolos. Chances are if you follow me on Twitter or read my blogs or my Facebook posts you know this. And, guess what? I'm cool with that. It's who I am. I think that people want to interact with others who keep it real. They can tell if someone is faking it just to get page hits.
3. Social media is a great way to meet people with whom you share a common interest. Take me, for example. I write books for kids and teens and, through various social media platforms, I've connected with other authors around the world. While I would love to meet my cyber friends face to face, that's rarely possible. Still, we're building a network, creating a sense of community and supporting one another despite being thousands of miles apart.
I also have friends who do not work outside the home, and they rely on this virtual support system as their water cooler talk. When your work is by nature personal and isolated, social media and networking can be a lifesaver. Or, at least a sanity saver.
4. Managing social media is a lot of work. Let me say that again: It's a lot of work. It reminds me of building a campfire. (Not that I do this, but that's beside the point. It's a good analogy. And, besides, I enjoy a campfire when somebody else builds one.) You start with the tinder and kindling and gradually grow the fire using larger pieces of wood until it is a glowing masterpiece. But if you think you can just sit back and toast your marshmallows, think again. In order for the fire to keep burning, it has to be fed. Constantly.
Social media is no different. You can design a great blog or create a Twitter or Facebook account, but if you do nothing with these social media platforms, your digital footprint won't grow. People might come once. Maybe twice. But they won't keep returning unless there is new material to see and read.
5. Interaction and knowing your audience are key. If all I do is post stuff - like "I went shopping." - I'm not going to be very successful. I need to ask questions and respond to readers' answers. Social media is about engagement. It's about building relationships, and one of the ways you do this is through conversations. So instead of saying I went shopping, I said:
"I've decided that I need to stay away from Kohl's for awhile. They suck me in with their coupons and then I get the Kohl's cash so I go back and buy even more. I think I've had four huge shopping trips to Kohl's in the past month! Gotta hide those bills from Hubs. So sorry, Kohl's. I'm breaking up for awhile. Oh, I mean after I go back on Wednesday to spend the $30 in Kohl's cash I just earned. (Smiles) Am I alone here peeps?"
Now, which post do you think others would respond to?
6. Social media sites have become landing pages for news. People use them to post news and go to them to get news. Last Saturday during that crazy storm, people were on Twitter and Facebook talking weather for hours. I learned from @Stauchistory on Twitter that his daughter was celebrating her sweet 16th birthday at the West Manchester Mall with her friends, and he was worried (and that made me worry). I saw pictures on Facebook that my friend Paula Gettys Little posted of her flooded home. I read Melanie Crisamore's post (West Manchester Mall + Ripped Roof = Scary Situation) on the Teen Takeover blog of her "great date night."
The way we consume news and share news has changed. It's become more conversational and social and instant and personalized.
7. I've learned to take chances. Not everything's going to work. That's life. Sometimes I post content that I'm sure will draw responses, and it gets none. And sometimes I post something just because ("OK. So, what 40-something wakes up with a zit on her nose? Seriously. Didn't I pay my price like 30 years ago? Not fair. Well, guess there could be worse things. But still. Makes me feel like I'm in high school again.") and it gets lots of hits. I'm not even going to try to figure this one out.
8. I've learned that I love Twitter. There's something about this microblogging platform that appeals to me. Having to condense a thought or, heck, an entire story, into 140 characters is challenging and fun. I love its symbiotic nature, and that it's in real time. I've learned that if I keep my tweets to no more than 120 characters they are more easily retweetable. And, the more retweets I get, the more people I'm reaching.
9. I've learned that social media can be a time hog and that I need to pace myself. I could spend hours commenting on others' blogs and responding to their tweets and pictures and videos. You have to find a balance, one that allows you to have a normal life like most of your neighbors. Don't let the virtual world become your world. Life is for living.
10. I've learned that for better or for worse, social media has changed the world. We're more connected than we've ever been, despite spending less time together physically. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Maybe it's a little of both. I know things about people that I never would have known if it had not been for social media (BTW, kudos to Sarah Rentzel Jones who announced via Facebook she is expecting her third child. YAY, Sarah!).
There's power in social media. It can bring people together for a common cause, or tear them apart. It can help mobilize and energize an effort and lead to change.
But, like most things in life, there are negatives. I'm not blind to them. Neither should you be. By allowing conversation, you do lose some control. But don't be afraid of this. Debate and disagreement can be healthy.
In the end, I think the positives of social media outweigh the negatives.
I started this column by stressing that I'm not an expert, and I'd end it the same way. I'm just someone who's learning as she goes and trying to help you learn, too.
Catch me here
Twitter: @Buffyandrews
Facebook:
Smartmamapa: http://www.facebook.com/smartmamapa
Flipsidepa" http://www.facebook.com/flipsidepa
York Daily Record/Sunday News: http://www.facebook.com/YorkDailyRecord
Blogs:
Buffy's World: http://www.yorkblog.com/buffy
Buffy's Write Zone: http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 27, 2010
Times Square ball app
Found this totally cool Times Square Ball App (for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android) that features a live video feed (commercial free) of the festivities from Times Square. There's a customizable countdown clock to 2011 that you can adjust for whatever time zone you're in.
You can link to your other social networking accounts, send a "kiss" to a loved one and upload your photo for a chance to appear on the giant video screen atop One Times Square.
The app also includes an awesome database of events, interactive maps, weather updates and more.
I can't begin to describe all the coolness this app packs, so here's a video to watch. Happy New Year all my peeps.
You can link to your other social networking accounts, send a "kiss" to a loved one and upload your photo for a chance to appear on the giant video screen atop One Times Square.
The app also includes an awesome database of events, interactive maps, weather updates and more.
I can't begin to describe all the coolness this app packs, so here's a video to watch. Happy New Year all my peeps.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
My recent newspaper column
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Chance to win $25 Target gift card
Pop over to my other blog, Buffy's World, to learn how you can get in a random drawing for a $25 Target gift card. And thanks in advance for your support.
BTW, what's your favorite form of social media?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Where the wired things are
So I’m sitting at my laptop and to the right of me is my Droid and to the left of me is my Ipad and I’m using all three simultaneously. My son comes into the room and comments on all of the gadgets I’m using and it’s then that I realize how wired I am. How wired are you?
Let’s have some fun. You know you’re wired when:
Let’s have some fun. You know you’re wired when:
- You return to a place you just left because you realize you forgot to check in on Foursquare and you totally want the points, not to mention another mayorship.
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