I asked a number of colleagues what they believe is the new reality in social media? A follow up to my post from yesterday. Two people were kind enough to answer my question; Ari Herzog, Todd Defren and Eric Andersen. Here's what Ari had to say:
Ari Herzog: What does it mean to be real? There was once a demarcation of reality from virtual reality; and there remains a division between social media, digital media, online media, and new media. They all mean the same, they are all media.
Add iPhone apps introduced every day.
Add enterprise and productivity software introduced throughout the year, versions replacing older versions.
Add the commenting and rating systems on Amazon.com and eBay and the Internet Movie Database, perhaps three of the oldest websites that have always included an element of sociability.
This goes to show, John, it is a farce to write about a "new reality in social media" when social media is not new and whatever is quote-unquote new is being replaced fast so the new becomes outdated.
So, back to the beginning. What is real?
John Cass: Hi Ari, Thanks for responding, here are my thoughts on your response: Perhaps I need to clarify myself here, reality in this question means what's the new situation, the new trend, the new theme and new activity. Before the Web started we had bulletin boards, social media was around, but few people had access, a lot has happened since then, I'm curious to know what's happening today. I think you have a good point that everything is changing at a rapid rate, but there's a difference between rapid change and there being no new reality. You make a good argument for their being rapid change, I'd certainly agree that's one new reality.
And Todd's response:
Todd Defren: The new reality: big brands join the fun, with mixed amounts of enthusiasm and knowledge.
John Cass: Hi Todd, thanks for answering, you say a lot with only a few words. I think you are right brands are jumping into social media tentatively, they know they must, but how to succeed in this new reality. Thanks great answer.
And lastly Eric Andersen answered on Twitter:
Eric Andersen: The new reality IMHO is instant, personal, worldwide, borderless communication - at unprecedented levels.
John Cass: Thanks for the response Eric, I think you are right, no social network has taught me more that point than Twitter, its designed for speed, for mobile, and its culture is about the personal.