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Interactivity and social media for all ages!  The growth of social media and Web 2.0 has been developing and expanding for years.  We hear about it everyday in the news, more and more companies are finding unique ways to reach their audiences through social media.

Statistics for social media are always changing and updating.  Jeremy Owyang, a web strategist, explains that people are not concerned by exact numbers, but by the actual changes that are occurring.  His post, “A Collection of Social Media Stats for 2009“, had a lot of interesting information.  More people are relying on social networks rather than email.  Twitter has grown by the millions.

So why are people still afraid of social media? Some say they just don’t understand the concept.  Many feel they don’t have the time or resources.  The worst possible excuse is that they are too old to deal with the new technology. In my opinion if someone wants to communicate with social media, they will. I know two men who are blogging and reaching out to their communities through social media.

I learned of this first gentleman through my friend and classmate Sarah Lokitis.  Her blog discusses the different types of corporate blogs and what makes them work.  Her post, “Marriott: CEO Blog“, discusses a blog created by Bill Mariott, CEO of Marriott International, Inc.  He uses his CEO blog to communicate with consumers.  Mr. Marriott, at 70 years old, does not know how to type on a computer.  He does however, understand the importance of social media and make sure to keep in touch with his consumers.

He is not the only man who understands the value of social media.  Last Sunday modern dance legend and world renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham past away at age 90.  Upon hearing the news, I found an article in the Washington Post discussing his life.  While reading, “Renowned Choreographer Merce Cunningham Dies at 90“, I learned that Merce used social media to keep in touch with the dance community.  This past year he created, Mondays with Merce, a series of webcasts and interviews open for public viewing.

These webcasts show behind the scenes master classes and rehearsals.  They also provide interviews with current and former dancers, artists, and musicians that have worked and been influenced by Merce.  

These two men have pushed past the so-called, “generation gap” and have proven that people of any age can find a way to use social media.

Corporations and organizations have been working hard to provide consumers with interactivity through social media.  Companies go through countless board meetings to calculate how much time and effort needs to use in these social media tools effective.  After the decision to use social media is agreed upon, their hard work doesn’t end.  This process is important to ensure that the company is all in an agreement and updated on the development of these tools.

What if a person isn’t working for a major corporation? What about the individuals that are searching for information unrelated to a company brand or service?  Don’t they deserve the same capabilities and ease of social media as company stakeholders and consumers? 

Most people think of social media as a place to form or join forums about a company or brand.  This is not always the case.  These forums absolutely do exist, but what about the other form of social media that allows users to meet one another and share information?

Groups of people have the opportunity to communicate with one another on topics of similar interest.  Does this necessarily make the social media interactive?

As a matter of fact it does! As a double major with dance and media arts and design, I have grown increasingly interested in how to use social media to benefit my second major.  I began by searching for dance forums and blogs to communicate with fellow dancers.

I came across an interesting blog called A Time to Dance.  Maria the writer, wishes to keep her last name personal, is currently working on balancing her career and family with her passion of dance.  Recent posts consist of master classes she has taken and exciting things she has encountered with other dancers on the Internet.  Did you know that America’s Best Dance Crew, Quest Crew, has a MySpace and Face Book page?  Their rivals Beat Freaks have their own blog.  This is a great way for dancers to learn about and support one another. 

Along with blogs there are countless social media sites to join.  As a member if Twitter I was notified as being followed by Dance Plug.  Immediately, I became intrigued and wanted to learn more about my new follower.  Their Twitter site is way to update their followers and draw them into their own website.  This website requires free registration, and provides dancers with more information than they could imagine.

Dance Plug incorporates interactivity and social interaction design to draw in users, as well as, valuable information to keep dancers up-to-date in the dance world.  Dance Plug was set-up by several choreographers as a way to teach people how to dance online.  However, this site also includes forums, upcoming audition listings, choreography videos created by the developers of Dance Plug, lists of upcoming master classes, and the ability to post information of your own.  For example as a member of Dance Plug, I can advertise my own auditions or event dates for other dancers to view.   The Dance Plug website also provides a link to their blog.

From the unique videos and navigational designs, to the amazing information and collaboration among dancers.  This site is one of the top social media tools that does not relate to a corporation or specific brand.  It is a community for dancers, choreographers, teachers, and those affiliated with the art of dance to share their knowledge with one another.

 

March 2010
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