Comments on: Social Media Enthusiasts

By: ronploof

ronploof — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:56:46 +0000

It's funny. I think that the terms we use to describe ourselves evolves over time. In 2007, I called myself an evangelist, because social media needed evangelism at that time. Today, execs are pummeled with the many social media terms. So, rather than being evangelized, they need to be shown how this stuff works for business...something enthusiasts rarely do.

My concern isn't with "enthusiasm," (heaven knows I have enough of THAT) but with the way these three professional communicators used it. If they consider social media as simply a playground for enthusiasts, how many other business folks are thinking the same things?

As for them being discouraged, no need to worry. They've already asked me to speak at their September event:-)

By: Mike Kilroy

Mike Kilroy — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:47:18 +0000

You have to be both, I have found. I was trying to be a practitioner without really the enthusiast part. Ron was kind enough to set me up with my own blog recently, and now I've got the enthusiasm. I WANT to learn. Before, I felt I HAD to learn. Big difference.

By: tara_misu

tara_misu — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:52:50 +0000

well stated…
I'm a practhusiast. or an enthutioner. or something.

By: cathy ann sauer

cathy ann sauer — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:04:14 +0000

That's too bad the crop of enthusiasts they encountered were bad apples. Beyond their meeting, and in the broader sense, the choice of enthusiast or practitioner is more a matter of semantics isn't it? I chose enthusiast for myself because I think it connotes a thirst for the medium. But I am a practitioner, which is evident in my work. I guess that makes me an enthusiastic practitioner! Tell the ladies not to be swayed by a couple lame panelists. Social media is here to stay so they should continue on the journey – learn it, work it, and make it your own.

By: Tweets that mention RonAmok! » Social Media Enthusiasts -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention RonAmok! » Social Media Enthusiasts -- Topsy.com — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:51:22 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tamsen McMahon, Sametz Blackstone. Sametz Blackstone said: Social media Enthusiasts play and Practitioners work, says @RonPloof. Which are you? http://bit.ly/aTaVzu ^TM [...]