What I learned from IMA09
I think we would all agree that the Public Media Conference was outstanding this year, with so much information that we can use that it can feel a little overwhelming. I know that several times I heard the wisdom of setting priorities and focusing on what steps we can take next. In that regard then, I invite you to comment below one or two things that you learned from the conference or that you thought were of great importance. Hopefully, it will benefit you as well as the rest of the group to compare our experiences.
If you don’t feel like commenting on the blog, then you can email the Publist, or tweet with tag #ima09, or write on your own blog with the tag ima09, or even tag your video ima09 on Youtube. Looking forward to hearing what you think.
A few things that stood out to me:
Don’t be afraid to experiment, but set realistic expectations.
If your staff don’t enjoy using a new tool like Twitter or Facebook, it might be better to look for something else. It should be fun.
Take advantage of the free platforms that are available. Our audience already is.
Comment by John McMellen — February 23, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
Regarding use of social media: What I took away was a keener sense of how important it’s becoming to our core demographics, and not just the younger folks we want to reach but can’t seem to. Facebook adoption rate among the 25 to 54 demo is exploding. And I didn’t seem to have a use for Twitter, but suddenly I do.
In contrast to John’s comment about if staff don’t dig using Facebook or Twitter find something else, I’m feeling like these tools and
“places” are becoming critical to our connections with audiences and communities. In other words, whether we like it or not, we better be there. And we’re starting to see some really great ways to use Twitter for actual journalism and reporting. I suspect it will be hard for me to convince my new reporters to begin tweeting, but I think I have to try. To John’s last point above: that’s exactly right!
Another thing I took away from the IMA is the conviction that the public media community is ready for something like PubForge. So let’s get busy and make it Truly Useful!
Comment by Jack Brighton — February 26, 2009 @ 4:55 pm