This is very true, and a lot more businesses are realizing it. For example, the company I work for just redid their website to include a blog.

The video is clever in how it communicates its message. Certainly makes you pay attention!

Chadwyck,
I just believe there’s no reason to hide what you know. Doesn’t sharing what you know establish expertise? And doesn’t it help to build relationships?

David,
Isn’t Big Brother an issue with the entire internet?

Home Recording,
I did a poor job today writing a post coming off your point of not thinking about people as being morons. Looks like I did a poor job. Or maybe the topic is too raw. Not sure. Thoughts?

Phil,
It is. Any suggestions about how to do it well?

SeaBird,
I agree. Did it make you consider doing anything differently?

Both are making great valid points. Both come as very optimistic if somewhat wary.

I tend to be more cynical. The big brother metaphor certainly is a real possibility, but more than that, is the possibility that the conversationalist is trying to influence people and make friends using the formula that was made popular by Dale Carnegie. Superficial, insincere and for sensitive people, clearly sending wrong signals.

The question is how to use technology to bring about genuine conversation, a real exchange of information giving dignity to both the participants. The dignity of accepting that the other fellow is not a moron.

“David,
I love your perspective. But what happens if the conversation isn’t allowed to be open and free? Does this diminish the community and, hence, the product?”

I believe that if a conversation is dictated by limitations, than that is not a true conversation.

To walk up to a someone and start a conversation but immediately state what we can or can not talk about defeats the purpose of talking.

Take this online and yes if the conversation is not open and free it does diminish the community and the product.

In the industry that I am in I see a lot of attempts to have conversation. But I am starting to notice they don’t all come across as genuine. You get the sense that “big brother” is watching and listening and will immediately reprimand anyone who is saying something they shouldn’t.

Article Nut,
Go ahead. Just be sure to credit and link back.

Jennifer,
I can attest to that. Every time I’ve asked you or Dan something you’ve given me helpful answers – which I so much appreciate.

What’s one off-the-wall way that you’ve shared with your community?

Home Recording,
As always, great points.

I’m reminded that we do speak with where we put our money. And while I don’t think we can change the mass consciousness directly, lots of us could begin spending into communities and products we believe in and who care about us. The fun thing is that if enough of us do that, the PR and marketing people will figure out that there’s business to be gotten in this new approach and they’ll change.

Look how organic food has changed the market place – and all for something that’s not new and improved, but old and tried.

The same could be said about returning to the small-town feel of doing business. Remember the days when your neighborhood grocer, pharmacist or hardware store owner knew you personally – knew your family? We were just all part of a community. And the web is now giving us a chance to return to that type of life, albeit differently, again.

The question that needs serious consideration, raised by Murray is “What if the product is the community?” What a fantastic concept, yet that is what we are seeing daily and I cannot help feel that the individual today wants to buy a community!

We are at many crossroads today. Materially, spiritually, and socially. It is a time for massive change, the rate of which has never been experienced by mankind ever before. Different pulls and pressures drag the individual into multifaceted activities and commitments and leaves him confused at the end.

I do not have clear answers but the fun is in observing and commenting on developments as they occur! Frankly, I find it all very amusing if somewhat puzzling!