New Media and Social Media Basics
Written by: Justin Parks | September 8, 2009
Social Media is on the rise and New Media is appearing every day, but if your late to the game or fell like you missed the boat don’t fret, its never to late to start and the great thing is your free to do so with whatever applications you want and to whatever degree you want.
Sometimes though, its nice to know a little more.
How is Social Media all linked up
Social Media is linked up like a big ball of string. In fact its a couple of different balls of string all intertwined and made into a big ball and that’s the part that makes the internet and social media a bit daunting. If you really need to have a simple view of the whole set up here is my attempt at putting it in a flow diagram in such a way that it makes sense…kinda.
Social Media Intertwined - Click to Enlarge
Still not getting Social Media?
Ok, lets try and simplify this. This is no direct line, no straight road in social media, or indeed the internet and search engines, any more. People tend to congregate in groups or in social networks when online and stay more or less in those comfortable and connected areas. The way search engines are used is basically the same but they provide a larger range of options and filters than before meaning that different types (and hopefully more accurate ones) are the result. Consequently, the manner that people interact wit hthe results, the websites and within their preferred networks has evolved.
People have a tendency to let information find them, to a certain extent, in the social web. Now I know this sounds funny but the presumption is, if the information is important enough or relevant enough to an individual then their networks will naturally bring it to their attention and provide it.
Sounds a little crazy I know, but it seems to work and it is getting better and more effective on what seems like a daily basis.
If you look at the diagram, any number of routes can be taken by the Visitor via the social groups 1, 2 and 3 the search engines (Google in this case) and via any of the illustrated networks, in no particular order and in no set fashion. The aim for bloggers and websites of course is to be the final destination (no not the movie where everyone dies) but the final landing point for that visitor to consume whatever is on offer…and thats just step one.
The reverse is now in effect. The visitor can then decide if the information is of value to their individual networks and “resupply” it to their groups. This is the viral effect and the results can be impressive.
Dont Panic
Thats the secret. We all have to start somewhere. The best bet is to take your time and ease in. Stay comfortable and do the research on each tool or system, they all have different means and methods of utility and of course different forms of etiquette and usability geared to wards specific functions or results.
Still need some advice? Not to sure how to start? Let us know!
Topics: Social Media | View Comments
Posted on 08 September 2009 by Justin Parks
Justin has extensive experience in the on line world having been involved in website design and creation putting businesses on line since 2001. Strategy implementation, project management, design, process, social media, seo, you name it he's done it.
Justin Parks has written 14 articles for Cloud Mixer
