Newspapers or Writers

“Do we need newspapers or just newspaper reporters? The internet is not destroying newspapers; their poor choices of opinions and content take care of that.”

There is so much discussion among consumers and bellyaching from newspapers: are blogs and the internet stealing market share from newspapers; are papers becoming irrelevant?  Yes.

The format of the newspaper and the close-minded attitude of editors are responsible for the failing.  Blogs, Twitter, and RSS feeds are the new newspapers and they bring the information to the consumer, rather than the consumer going to it.  The information is always current and chosen by the needs, wants, and likes of the reader, not the editor – Ala cart news service has arrived!

Newspapers will ultimately lose because of bad attitudes, and BS agendas, but there will always be a need for great writers and reporters.  Without the discovery and writing of the reporters, there would be no information for the bloggers. 

As always, please post your thoughts.

Cheers,

Toby

Social Media and Communication

Thanks to Social Media, companies are rethinking how they communicate (and interact) with, their customers.  The good new is that information now flows both ways and companies are replacing communication with collaboration.   David Pakman validates this (and my blog "what to do about social media") with his wonderful article from Fast Company.
If you are still pushing information to your audience rather than receiving it from them, you will soon find yourself with no one to push.

Cheers,
Toby

What to do about Social Media

What is Social Media? Is it a fad, and what does a Community Manager do?
I have been asked these questions for a few years and there are many self claiming experts offering their opinions out there.
Social Media is a change. A change in power. A change in communication style. A change in sales and marketing. Some say that social media is a fad, that it is not scalable. What do you think of this? Social Media is about an exchange of information, engaging and interacting with your customers, and they becoming your sales force.
Not only is the message different with social media, but the delivery vehicle as well. We all love the newspaper on Sunday, but it (and the evening news), is no longer the source. PR is a great communication tool, but it is not Social Media because it is one way communication - welcome the blog. There are some out there that believe email and RSS are old hat. Why search for my information when it will find me? Do you have doubts?
So how does your new empire get built and scaled? Who ensures communication lines are open? The Community Manager. The Community Manager works in conjunction with your Marketing and Sales teams; maintains the company message while keeping the company real.
Remember that Social Media is a tool (and new way of thinking), not a magic bullet.

Cheers,
Toby

Setting Sail

Greetings all.
This will be a space where I will include my thoughts of the day, recipes, and other general wisdom.
As things get rolling, please leave your comments and topic suggestions (I can't do it alone).

Fall is certainly here in New England and it could be my favorite season.
Leaves turn, hockey begins, the meals get hardier, and we break out the brown liquors. Summer cuisine is wonderful, but everyone seems to linger at the dinner table as the evening air turns cold.
Time for roasted root vegetables, risotto, grilled whole tenderloin, double cut chops, and (Famous) White Bean Stew.
Go to the cellar and find that Zin you have been saving; may I suggest Hook&Ladder? Cut up some crusty bread and unwrap the Humboldt Fog. Welcome friends to sit by the fire while all the dinner flavors come together. Pour another glass and sit, say Grace (or not) and enjoy the food as well as the conversation. Remember the old times and laugh.
Take that fresh apple pie out of the oven and don't forget the sharp cheddar or vanilla ice cream. Scotch anyone? Port?
Thank you for sharing our table...

Cheers,
Toby