Tom Standage has recently released his new book, “Writing on the Wall.” In his keynote speech, he posits that social (media) sharing is actually a very old thing—going back centuries. His talk is almost 48 minutes long, so here is our short version:
Standage refers all the way back to the Roman Empire, where the elite had slaves who collected their personal messages and scribes to write them. All of them were active social sharers. (We can probably make the argument that social sharing goes all the way back to the prehistoric age with hieroglyphics.)
Innovations over the centuries, like the transmitter, radio, the printing press, television, and yes—the web, has exponentially expanded the speed and breadth of how we communicate today. But the act of social and media sharing has always been part of culture.
If you think of if that way, there is really little difference between a ancient Roman writing on a stone wall in the first century or posting now on Facebook in 2013.
Why does this even matter to magazine publishers?
Because what’s most interesting now about social media is that while it’s true you can reach out to the largest mass audience ever in history for free, social media by it’s very nature creates individual communities that want to make connections.
Niche Magazines take note: There has never been a better time in history to communicate to a niche. Or niche your niche further. Or create a new one!
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About this blogger: Diana Landau is Content Wrangler of Niche Media. A former corporate marketing hack, she has now found nirvana in writing and wrangling quality content. Diana is a food, wine, art and SF Giants enthusiast who sometimes gets carried away.
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Niche Media has created super niched-out events specifically for magazine publishers for over 12 years. We’ve helped pave the way for the era of boutique events that connect specific audiences and provide great educational, friendly and super-fun environments! Plus, Carl Landau – Niche Media’s Grand Poobah – just launched a blog all about creating and marketing targeted events – blog.NicheEventNation.com Check it out!
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