Fundraising: To Email or Not to Email
Email is the one must have tool every online fundraiser needs. But most brands are afraid to use because they only now how to spam people.
online
The Fundraising Wall
If you have raised money online in a campaign, then you have likely experienced a lag in the middle of your effort. This is the fundraising wall.
My 2015 Narcissism Update (Because It Can’t Be About You)
Online narcissism is like a drug addiction. As the narcissism epidemic spreads, all of us will deal with the personality defects of the self-centered and their incessant drive for attention and fame.
More Evidence that Visuals Far Outpace Text
When it comes to native advertising, young ad agency execs say visual media is outperforming text by at least three to one.
What I Learned at the Dog Park
Since we brought Michelle home, she has proven to be a high octane dog who needs some running time. Being the first one up at the Livingston household, I am often chaperone her to the local dog park. I see… Read More »What I Learned at the Dog Park
Is Existing Online a Quest of Loneliness or Giving?
Do you sense a lack of clear meaning in this online rat race? On one hand, existence stands in its purest form, reasons to be online, missions of the niche! Then we dilute existence with digital records of ice cream trips, Nike Fuel runs, and manufactured savoir faire.
Self determination now exists at its ultimate zenith, coupled with a bizarre sense loneliness.
YouTube star Jenna Marbles reflected recently in a NY Times article that with all of her online fame and popularity and friends, she finds herself in an odd state of loneliness. We have many boys and girls trapped in their own online bubbles now.
Read More »Is Existing Online a Quest of Loneliness or Giving?
Actors and Directors
If you listen to conversations about online power — at least those supported by bloggers — strength centers on the individual voice. Yet, now that big money has arrived online, the solitary influential voice represents a role player in the Internet ecosystem.
Let’s use a metaphor to illustrate this point: Hollywood and its power structure of actors, directors and producers. Individual voices represent actors. Entities like budget-rich companies investing in online media, traditional media companies, publishing houses, and already successful individuals are the directors and producers.
This is not to demean individuals that have made a name for themselves online. Consistently excelling online as an influencer takes significant effort. There’s a reason why so many social media voices are obsessed with influence.
You can debate whether people garner attention or become noteworthy for achievements, but long-term success is not an accident. It’s the result of doing something right consistently over time.
Back to the metaphor… Everybody wants to work with the most successful actors (cough, stars [ugh]). We know this. Any blogger just needs to show you their in-box and the heaps of spam pitches they receive as proof points.
Awakening from Delusions of Grandeur
It’s a strange world we live in online. Delusions of grandeur call, singing like that sweet Siren in the midst of the sea. To win, we must appear like we are Doing Important Things, but in the end we find our lives dashed on the rocks.
I’m speaking about the competitive rat race to see who can get the most social media rock star badges; keynotes, books, followings, awards, blog mentions, yeah!
I have to admit, I got caught up in this hooplah again during the past year. Then I looked at my real life (the one I physically walk around in), and my toddler clinging to my pants leg crying every time I moved to the door, afraid that she wouldn’t see me again for days.
Well, when that happens it’s time to reevaluate what matters.