Why are advertising social networks so dysfunctional?
1. Why do the vast majority of the people in these networks end up as lurkers? Most of the people in our network do not actively or consistently participate.
2. Why don’t these networks attract more people from our business? Social networks attract just a minuscule fraction of the entire population of the people working in our industry.
3. Why do only a few people out of the total population have anything to say? We are in the communication business, why don’t we know how to communicate with each other?
4. Why do only a few people out of the total population actively post or comment on other people’s posts or profiles? There are thousands of members, but only a few posts with a few comments.
5. Why do only a few people out of the total population make friends or network in a social network of their peers?
6. Why do only a few people out of the total population stay, while most just stop by for a while, then move on, or rarely check in from time to time?
7. Real life operates one way, and virtual life operates another, why is that? For example, in real life when you say hi to someone, or welcome someone, or make the first move to speak with someone, they will usually respond to you. Not true here. People will often avoid contact in a social network after they have been approached. So why do they come to a social network in the first place?
8. Are most of the people in our business really that boring, or have nothing to say?
9. Are most of the people in our business really that shy or rude?
10. Are most of the people in our business really that unfriendly towards each other, envious of each other, intimidated by each other, not care about each other, or are afraid of each other?
11. Are most of the people in our business really that fucked up?
(Help me out here folks, please. I can’t figure this out??????????)
2. Why don’t these networks attract more people from our business? Social networks attract just a minuscule fraction of the entire population of the people working in our industry.
3. Why do only a few people out of the total population have anything to say? We are in the communication business, why don’t we know how to communicate with each other?
4. Why do only a few people out of the total population actively post or comment on other people’s posts or profiles? There are thousands of members, but only a few posts with a few comments.
5. Why do only a few people out of the total population make friends or network in a social network of their peers?
6. Why do only a few people out of the total population stay, while most just stop by for a while, then move on, or rarely check in from time to time?
7. Real life operates one way, and virtual life operates another, why is that? For example, in real life when you say hi to someone, or welcome someone, or make the first move to speak with someone, they will usually respond to you. Not true here. People will often avoid contact in a social network after they have been approached. So why do they come to a social network in the first place?
8. Are most of the people in our business really that boring, or have nothing to say?
9. Are most of the people in our business really that shy or rude?
10. Are most of the people in our business really that unfriendly towards each other, envious of each other, intimidated by each other, not care about each other, or are afraid of each other?
11. Are most of the people in our business really that fucked up?
(Help me out here folks, please. I can’t figure this out??????????)
Tags: adgabber, advertising, dysfunctional-social-networks
Views: 12
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Delete Me on -
I just started here, and I think that matters. Better to get a feel for the type of community, rather than jump in and look like an ass right off the bat. That benefits no-one.
Also, I think that a lot of people in this industry are probably members of many social communities (I know I am). Unless something really strong piques my interest to comment, I'm a lurker. It's not based on interest; it's based on time, or the lack thereof.
See, this post piqued my interest! Job well done.
Dan
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Permalink Reply by Buddy 'Friendly' Wachenheimer on
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Dan, thanks for your keen insights and for joining us. Don't be a stranger. Next time I'll order in some soup and sandwiches.
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Permalink Reply by Delete Me on
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OK, thanks for the go ahead. Since this post is all about being honest... Here's the problem on my end.
I'm interested in (most of) the discussions, but I've never worked for an agency, so I'm kind of out of the loop on a lot of stuff. I can't relate. I'm a self-taught internet guy; not an agency person.
In addition, most (not all mind you, but most) of the agency people I've met have had a sense of self-importance I've yet to see anywhere else. In fact, to be totally honest, I've never met a group of people that made me feel more like I didn't belong than people who work for agencies. Whether I was speaking at ad:tech (which I've done twice), or at Search Engine Strategies (I think 6 or 7), the agency cliques have always made me feel like an outsider. This isn't meant as a blanket statement against all agency people, so don't take it like that. Take it as constructive criticism for the industry, not as a personal punch to the gut.
I could go on, but I think you get the point. For an outsider, lurking is almost the only option, and more often than not, the best option.
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... I agree with you Dan.
I am in the agency business and """most (not all mind you, but most) of the agency people I've met have had a sense of self-importance I've yet to see anywhere else""" PLUS they tend to be know-at-all-know-nothings, bluffers in the card game of business, and empty suits (or T-shirts).
Dan, I for one appreciate your point of view and the way you express it. P L E A S E don't be a lurker, we need the most diverse insights we can get, anytime, all the time to keep things in the proper perspective.
(The soup and sandwich is on the table. Enjoy, and see ya again, soon.)
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Permalink Reply by Paul Ashby on -
Hey Buddy...
Where the hell is my invitation to "Soup & Sandwich"?
And, Buddy, judging by the response to your initial thought I would have to say your totally wrong!
Awaiting my invite
Warm Regards
Paul
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(Sorry Paul, your soup and sandwich is on the table right next to Dan's. Enjoy. No burping allowed. Pie for desert.)
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Why are advertising social networks so dysfunctional? (Help me out here folks, please. I can’t figure this out??????????)
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Permalink Reply by J.S. Gilbert on -
The nicest thing about banging your head against the wall is stopping.
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... I wish I could
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Permalink Reply by Diana Oyaga on -
people in advertising who are advertising lovers, like to know all the new trends etc, do check out the site and participate, but there are others in advertising related-marketing-media or communications who come in to maybe lobby, or check out what's going on in the market but are not adfreaks like some of us... personally i don't read all the forums do to time... or maybe I read one and then go on to another page... but I do think it is important to promote a larger network where there is some actual networking getting done.... those are actually the site's main objectives right steve? and i do think we should be more participative and exchange thoughts and ideas... I'll try harder to put in some seeds here guys....
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Thanks Diana
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Permalink Reply by Michael Kleinheinz on -
For me its all about context. Example- about a month ago, a new guy joined Adgabber, and his head shot looked just like Jerry Garcia. So I sent him a message saying "Jerry Garcia called, he wants his head shot back". I thought I was fuckin hilarious. I laughed all day about that one. I don't think he got it though. SNs can be pretty 2D sometimes. I'll lurk until something strikes me. It's kind of like what Pee Wee Herman says- If you love Adgabber so much, why don't you marry it!
I belong to a bunch of SNs. Some I participate more in than others. I'm streaky with Adgabber. I like Adgabber. She's my friend, but not my girlfriend. If I ever do find an SN that I really love, we'll have to date a while first. But I promise, while we date, she'll get to know me real well.
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