June 2009 FOREVERISM
via trendwatching.com by newsletter@trendwatching.com on 6/11/09
While we're used to things changing and skipping, there is now a move toward what is called Foreverism.
"FOREVERISM Encompasses the many ways that consumers and businesses are embracing conversations, relationships, and products that are never done. Driving its popularity is technology that allows them to find, follow, interact and collaborate forever with anyone & anything."
Forever Findable, Followable
In snail-mail terms, this is like never having to see a "not at this address, return to sender" stamp ever again. Why? You'll be leaving snippets of yourself, your facebook, your twitter all over the internet and they are findable via Google, et. al.
Forever Conversing
"Sure, Twitter is ‘just’ the next evolution in personal communications, and something newer will steal hearts in the future (Google Wave, anyone?), but unlike other Next Big Things, its low barriers to entry and ease of use are enticing even the most luddite consumers, celebrities and brands to join in. The forced brevity of tweets has helped, too: it's easier to deal with a barrage of interactions if both sides are limited to a maximum of 140 characters."
Big Brands Join the Conversation
Right now it's just the twitter and facebook presence. Companies are dedicating departments to real-time interaction. How will your library's brand be included in this conversation?
"Now, not surprisingly, after years of one-way conversations, brands that finally open up (like the twitter examples above) will first have to deal with a steady flow of pent-up anger, complaints and frustration from customers who previously haven't had anywhere else to go.
But over time, when honest problem-solving (in combination with improved performance, of course) will lead to more balanced relationships, the focus will shift to cooperation if not co-creation. Including brands actively initiating conversations." How can the libary initiate conversation? Whose job would it be? How would it be supported? What priority would it be among the mission of the library?
Forever in Beta
"Think operating in a humble, transparent, unpolished, almost human-like FOREVER BETA mode, not just for one product, but for an entire organization. And we're not only talking about the usual suspects like software giants and web 2.0 icons, but traditional B2C brands too, be it in automotive or FMCG. " The library has been used to constant change since the Library at Alexandria. Policies, however, can be slow to change. Once again, it falls upon your library's mission. And not a little on funding and staffing.
"Feel FOREVERISM is too broad a topic to dig into? Then focus on a few specific projects. Like fine-tuning your Twitter strategy to really start the conversation with your customers. Or introducing one ‘beta’ product that you will keep improving with help of the crowds.
From there on, try to make FOREVERISM part of your thinking when it comes to client relationships. Assess which of your current offerings are primarily transient, while customers may prefer them to be more lasting. "
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Books to Screen
RA Run Down
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 6/14/09
Eat, Pray, Love Will Star Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem
Shutter Island Trailer - book by Dennis Lehane, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo diCaprio
Al Pacino to Star in the Movie of Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink
Lovely Bones Trailer - coming in December, directed by Peter Jackson
Catherine Hardwicke, Director of Twilight Will Do Maximum Ride Next—With the Twilight Stars
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 6/14/09
Eat, Pray, Love Will Star Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem
Shutter Island Trailer - book by Dennis Lehane, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo diCaprio
Al Pacino to Star in the Movie of Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink
Lovely Bones Trailer - coming in December, directed by Peter Jackson
Catherine Hardwicke, Director of Twilight Will Do Maximum Ride Next—With the Twilight Stars
The never-ending question: What is a Beach Read?
What is a Beach Read? via RA for All by Becky on 6/17/09
"Erin Collazo Miller, the moderator of About.Com's Guide to Bestsellers does an admirable job of trying to define the term.
Here is an excerpt:
A good beach book is engaging and a quick enough read that you can finish most of it on the beach before your sunscreen wears off. A beach book isn't necessarily literature, but a beach book will entertain.After this definition, Ms. Miller goes on to provide lists of beach reads based on appeal. "
"Erin Collazo Miller, the moderator of About.Com's Guide to Bestsellers does an admirable job of trying to define the term.
Here is an excerpt:
A good beach book is engaging and a quick enough read that you can finish most of it on the beach before your sunscreen wears off. A beach book isn't necessarily literature, but a beach book will entertain.After this definition, Ms. Miller goes on to provide lists of beach reads based on appeal. "
Book Shopping and Library "Shopping" Similarities
What Kind of Book Shopper Are You? via RT Book Reviews by RT Book Reviews on 6/17/09
Not surprisingly, bookstores see many of the same types of customers we see. Fortunately, "Campers" are welcome at the library. And we really try to use nicer terms. Usually.
"Seekers – those looking for a specific book. These include students of all kinds and those who heard about a book (TV, radio, magazine, friend) and want THAT book.
Grazers – those who love book stores but don’t really ever plan to buy a book. They wander the aisles and just gaze at the shelves and displays, occasionally picking up a book to read the cover and then go back to wandering.
Browsers – those who don’t need a specific book, but are content to roam through the aisles of the genre or topic they are looking through, i.e. sci-fi, romance, self-help.
Campers – those who come into the book store, set up shop and stay there. This includes students who think the book store is their personal library, the homeless, tutors and others who set up their drinks, food and laptops and don’t move all day.
Idiots – those with little to no specific information about the book they are looking for. "I don't remember the name of the book or the author, but I think the cover is red. Do you have that one?"
Independents – those shoppers who would rather use a computer terminal than talk to a bookseller.
Time-sucks – people who come in and ask advice for books as gifts without an inkling of what works. Or, just ask general questions about books that don’t help the bookseller or the consumer do anything, except waste time."
Not surprisingly, bookstores see many of the same types of customers we see. Fortunately, "Campers" are welcome at the library. And we really try to use nicer terms. Usually.
"Seekers – those looking for a specific book. These include students of all kinds and those who heard about a book (TV, radio, magazine, friend) and want THAT book.
Grazers – those who love book stores but don’t really ever plan to buy a book. They wander the aisles and just gaze at the shelves and displays, occasionally picking up a book to read the cover and then go back to wandering.
Browsers – those who don’t need a specific book, but are content to roam through the aisles of the genre or topic they are looking through, i.e. sci-fi, romance, self-help.
Campers – those who come into the book store, set up shop and stay there. This includes students who think the book store is their personal library, the homeless, tutors and others who set up their drinks, food and laptops and don’t move all day.
Idiots – those with little to no specific information about the book they are looking for. "I don't remember the name of the book or the author, but I think the cover is red. Do you have that one?"
Independents – those shoppers who would rather use a computer terminal than talk to a bookseller.
Time-sucks – people who come in and ask advice for books as gifts without an inkling of what works. Or, just ask general questions about books that don’t help the bookseller or the consumer do anything, except waste time."
The Never-Ending Lists of Beach Reads
Witness:
Under the Radar: Fiction Beach Reads via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Sarah Statz Cords on 6/21/09
What is is with librarians, newspapers, and magazines and beach reads?
Under the Radar: Fiction Beach Reads via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Sarah Statz Cords on 6/21/09
What is is with librarians, newspapers, and magazines and beach reads?
Social Networking and Generations in the Workplace
The Clash Of Ages: How Technology Divides Workers
via NPR Topics: Arts & Entertainment on 6/22/09
As we've heard before, tensions in the workplace are rising between the Boomers and the next generations about what is appropriate use of social networking on work time.
It's a sticky situation. Both sides have good points.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New Search Engine Worth a Look
I've checked it and a lot of the advertising stuff seems to be shuffled off.
Bing via The Blah, Blah, Blah Blog by brad@neflin.org (Brad Ward) on 6/3/09
"See if this is same old, same old, or maybe it will work its way into the number two spot on your search engine list."
Bing via The Blah, Blah, Blah Blog by brad@neflin.org (Brad Ward) on 6/3/09
"See if this is same old, same old, or maybe it will work its way into the number two spot on your search engine list."
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