One of the recurrent bits of conversation around the social media scene is “of course, it’s not about the tools, it’s about people … how they share … changes in culture … challenges to hierarchies” often followed by “and have you seen this latest iPhone app“.
To be fair, there isn’t a total contradiction in that, because smartphones often help us converse, connect, collaborate without a lot of the desktop computer hassle. However, while there’s a strong current of feeling that we should get beyond the technology to the real benefits and values that go with social media, that’s not always to the fore. (gross generalisations, please challenge).
One of the things that’s great about Jemima Gibbons’ book Monkeys with Typewriters is that it unashamedly puts the tools two clicks down: the chapters are around Co-Creation, Passion, Learning, Openness, Listening, and Generosity; then there are interviews with a wide range of people showing how these apply in practice, and only then do we get to the tech.
I want to persue these ideas following an earlier interview, and fortunately there’s a great opportunity on Wednesday evening when Jemima is giving a seminar in London at One Alfred Place, with the Society for Organizational Learning. Details on Jemima’s MWT blog here. There is a charge – £20, or £10 if you are a member of One Alfred Place – but I’ve no doubt it will be worth it for good conversation on the non-tech aspects of social media. read more »