What the Heck is the Groundswell and Why Care About It?

         The following is my first assignment in my new Master's Degree program class: 21st Century Technologies focusing on the book Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies.

Enjoy!

-CJ

         The beginning of this book "Groundswell" engages the reader by starting with a brief yet extensive summary of a blog post that was submitted  to Digg.com, a website I have only been familiar with since last year, even though it was created prior to late- 2007. The first thing the authors do is captivate the reader by speaking about a socially moderated site that many of us techno saavy folks know. This example gives a great idea to the reader as to what exactly, the Groundswell is.

         Furthermore, it explains what the Groundswell is and how it relates to consumers, advertisers, sponsors, and media. Li and Bernoff define the Groundswell as "A social trend in which people use technologies to get the things they need from each other, rather than from traditional institutions like corporations." In other [economically] (if this word fits) words, we, as mass consumers have begun to search outside of the storefront to purchase items that we desire. As an example, my lady wanted to get the kid a chopper bicycle. Instead of going to the Walmart store immediately, she researched online and got the best price-match cost and then went to the store to purchase the bicycle. 

          As the book states the Groundswell comes from the collision of three forces: people, technology and economics

1. People: people have always depended and drawn strength from one another; and have always and consistently rebelled against institutional power using forces as pickets, Unions, Boards, etc
2. Nearly everyone is online: 79% of Americans and 69% of Europeans (2010)
3. Revenue is online. Why have shelves stocked if there are an infinite number of possibilities online? (Forrester, 2011)

It’s the technology in the hands of people that have the capability to make it [the Groundswell] so powerful!

It’s not even necessary to sell ads—you can sign your site up for Google AdSense and let Google sell the ads for you and share the cash (Li, p.11). This is something I currently struggle with as I have been working with the owner of a new Locksmith business.  The owner wants to use Google AdSense, while I am pushing (poking the bear so-to-speak) to keep an in-house (IMC Specialist) Advertiser/Marketer.  The argument is that keeping me on as an Independent Consultant is not only cheaper, but may be more profitable for the company as it allows for quite a bit more personal connection with the investors. This also includes potential consumers giving the reassuring feeling of a hometown business and stability of a physical location that can be entered un-obstructed.

The Groundswell extends all circumferences of the social networking realm, from Amazon.com, to Craigslist, to Wordpress, Flicker, Youtube, Twitter and Google+; all the way back prior to MySpace to where Linux began.  It encompasses three items: People, Technology, and Economics. This social trend requires that there be masses of people capable and willing to utilize different modes of technology to reach an end, the technology to maintain the demand and the technology must be able to expand easily and expeditiously. Lastly, it involves money. Revenue is the bi-product of a large group of people interested in either purchase power, publicity, or expansion.

This all leads up to why we should care about the Groundswell. It’s pretty simple really. Economics! In 2004, Advertisers maxed revenue at $23.3 Billion in the United States alone, and an additional €10.7 Billion across Europe. This explains why storefront advertising has and continues to decline and why more and more consumers are swarming to other forms of technology to obtain what they are looking for. Be it purchasing items, social research, recognition or as benign as filling a bored void in their life.

General Motors Corp. Vice-Chairman of Product Development, Bob Lutz learned real quick how the Groundswell worked. As stocks plummeted and favourship of the consumer and investor dwindled he thought of something innovative to gain the rapport back with the general public: “FastLane” (a social blog). Creating this blog did not make GM’s financial status change, however what it did do was open up one more channel that has become the primary form of instant communication with GM.

It is important to know what the Groundswell is and how it works because in the 21^st Century world of business and social moderation a person can be lost in the sea of Fast-line economics and be left behind as the world has and becomes more web-oriented and ecommerce-centric. If that person has focused their career solely on direct-Marketing and print Marketing and is seeing a decline in their net assets, understanding the Groundswell  and all that envelops it, can help them make a proportionate transition into “e” business, thus giving them a 180 in their career. Having an understanding of this social trend also can assist business and consultants in judging their best options when it comes to marketing and advertising which in turn will open up many more options to explore.


Li, Charlene, Bernoff, Josh (2011). Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social
                 Technologies. Boston, Mass. Forrester Research, Inc.

Witness in Lisa Irwin case now facing stabbing charge - KCTV 5

Witness in Lisa Irwin case now facing stabbing charge - KCTV 5 Does anyone know anything further about poor baby Lisa Irwin?

Manufacturing

I wonder, what are your thoughts on the assertion that the United States is becoming a nation of service-industries instead of manufacturing-industries. American manufacturing has grown 200% in the past 5 years. Even with this American manufacturing is declining, due to a global shift towards outsourcing and offshoring.

I'm too tired to continue writing, actually thinking is more like it....In any case I'd love to see what you all think.

Extra-Ordinary

Well helllo friends, and visitors!

Been quite awhile since I've posted a blog, haven't really had a desire to write as I've been really consumed with projects, and the likes.

My beautiful daughter is growing, and I'm hoping to see new pics and videos of her soon. I haven't heard anything new in quite awhile, so if you ask how she is, I can't tell you because I do not know. My hope and prayer is that, that'll change, and I'll be able to go see her. It all comes down to having funds.

Since I'm deeply into this semester I haven't had time to look for income opportunities. This because, I am graduating from Ottawa University this July, unfortunately I couldn't get done to walk this May, so it's going to be next May that I'll get to walk. That is very disappointing, because I don't intend on being around the area past August.

Although I just realized...I graduated from Neosho County Community College with my Associate's Degree two years ago, and I don't have my degree. I'm not sure what's up but I'm going to be contacting them this coming week to figure out why I haven't received it.

In any case I'll graduate with my Bachelor of Art's Degree in Strategic and Integrated Communications from OU this summer. I feel so great! My mood has greatly improved, all the other issues have seemingly decreased, the only recent event was a seizure two weeks ago, I get an EEG in a week to see what my brain waves are looking like. All I'll have this summer is my Senior Core, and I have to decide still if I'm going to look for another internship, or if I should take the Leadership Communication class. I'm really at a toss up on this one, as it really is a tough decision. I've done part of two internships already, one in Advertising, and one three-four years ago in Broadcasting, and since I'm hoping to get a Community Relations Specialist job once I'm graduated, I'm thinking I need to do a PR/Marketing internship. Hmmm....

I'm happy that I'm happy, and nothing has been able to bring me down for probably two months. I feel healthy, confident, assured, strong and excited for all the opportunities I'm working towards. One of the biggest things I'm working really really hard on is a substance abuse program. I've been working on this program for four years, and I'm finally in a healthy position that I can undertake this project. It's for my Comp but it's much more than that. I'll be writing a grant to obtain funds to make this into a business venture. I'm shooting for making it an Incorporated Business. I've got several agencies and organizations support, and encouragement from many other individuals. I really think I have something unique and necessary to help those people who have substance abuse and mental health issues. I'm really excited about this opportunity.

In any case friends, I'm done on here for the night, gotta finish organizational things, so we'll chat later!

Speaking Of....

I speak of a variety of calamities within one's self. It could be mental, it could be physical. With every action there is a reaction, a consequence, a detriment. It seems as though the sun doesn't set the way it should, instead it just kind of floats behind a world of gray: Have you ever wondered your purpose on this world? Every day I wonder, why am I here, and of course I jokingly reply I'm here to be amused by the morons I deal with on a consistent basis.

No that is not the right way to see yourself. Each of us is here for a specific reason even if we aren't sure what that reason is. I believe in time it will be revealed. Death is rolling in every verse. Does that constitute a negative self face? Or should that inspire us to be a better person, a more productive member of society, a better leader, parent, friend, and maybe even foe for those who choose to sit in that position?

My ramblings may make no sense to those who read however they all make sense to me in some form or fashion. I'm thinking of the song by Linkin Park Valentine's Day....what it means to be alone on a Valentine's Day. I think, not just V-day, but every day. What does it mean to be alone in yourself? I've been alone in myself for 2 years and my daughter has been in this world for 15 almost 16 months. I fear the worst but hope for the best in her life. Many people believe I will have her come five years of age but my fear is that my pride, my arrogance, or ignorance (whichever it may be) will keep that from happening. I don't doubt the competence of her mother and as bitter as I am I cannot say something negative about her. She aided in making something so amazing and beautiful in that perfect little life of our daughter.

As you may see there is many things on my mind and they are incoherent and non sequential and out of order, however that seems to be the story of my life. As I come to a closure in my collegiate career I hope to make more sense of my own life and my own thoughts. I pray that I can become a better man, a better father, and eventually a better husband; god-willing.

Boggled Mind of a Troubled Soul

I have noticed in my 26 years of existence that even the smallest flutter of a butterfly wing, can make the most drastic of changes in the lives of oneself and those close. There's a different kind of understanding required to be able to completely comprehend the complexities of situations that arise out of dirt and sand. One flutter can change one's life dramatically which makes that person re-evaluate the existence of self.

I see life as a 9 gauge chain link. With each experience, comes a new chain link, and with each chain link comes one more restraint (kind of like a chain being used as a straight jacket). Every time things go well, low and behold a hail storm hits, and with the hail storm comes a whirlwind--tornado if you will--of contemplation, confusion, prejudice, and hypocrisy.

What if existence only exists (for lack of a better word) within the mind of the beholder? Or as my high school biology teacher suggested: what if all we are is a brain (or brains) in a vat of juice? What if all this is, is a matrix made entirely of a program that is controlled by some compulsive maniac with a huge ego?

I don't believe that we are here just to take up space. To that extent, I also don't believe we are here (me especially) to please or make others happy. I am here (in my rhetorical minds-eye) to be amused at the idiocracy of the human race. Look at animals (exclude humans as an animal for the moment), do they have the same stereotypical and repugnant standards as we do? Does it make sense that some kind of supreme being would allow so many to suffer and fall into the vast cavern of travesty that is life?

This all makes perfect sense in my head and if you can't see the relativism of it then continue on to the next person's blog and find your answers. At this moment my mind is a swirl of thought, provocation, and sheer fear.

For now,

Ciao

Identity Crisis Anyone?

When I was in high school I had to write a very emotional poem called "I Am From." Here's a snippet.

I am from
Foodless days, and foodless nights,
And, once in awhile, a good meal.

I am from
Musty cigarette smoke
Embedded in clothes, furniture, and teeth...

I am from
A dark corner on the floor
When everyone else got to have a bed...

I am from
"Get your education"
"You will never amount to anything"
"You were an accident"
"Go to your room" (the floor corner)
"You're so cute," and
"I hate you."

Ok so this is a snippet from the truthful poem I wrote in high school. Now this is where I am from, however this is not, and I repeat NOT who I am. I have not allowed this to become my identity and I will not allow anyone to push their ideas of what my identity should be.

Our identities are formed by many different factors both internally (such was the example), and externally (including media, friends, government, random people, and even the web). Taking on an identity takes an understanding of who you are, or what you believe in. There are two common beliefs Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf envisioned (known as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis). These two beliefs are Linguistic Determinism--basically that language determines knowledge or thought; and Linguistic Relativism--language influences thought or action.

Take your pic on which one you believe in....does language and communication determine your identity or does it influence? I cannot make a sound judgment on which way I stand because I believe that our identity is just that, ours, and we make it what we can.

Language Barriers

Yes we all know there are thousands upon thousands of language barriers that keep people from maintaining an understanding of another culture. Let's see, you can blame a barrier on your ethnic background, which is unfortunately a huge reason why there are language barriers. A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING and the lack to make an effort. I just read an article in the Journal of Communicative Education that brought into play our ethnicities and our upbringings as the key reason for there being language barriers. It's like saying money is the root of all evil!

Come on! Seriously? My opinion is, laziness on many occassions is the language barrier. People are too lazy to conscously make an effort and an active interest in learning and hearing and this causes a barrier. Tone of speech, rate of speech, style of speech, these are physiological reasons for there being language barriers. Then there is technology. Environment...and the list can just go on.

Why?

Why Intercultural Communication? Why study it? Why have it?

It is so simple yet so complex....to be able to understand, to connect, to empower and encourage those around you. Without the ability to communicate interculturally the business world would collapse, the educational field, healthcare, everything would collapse. I mean how did cavemen from one "tribe" communicate with a member of a tribe on a different land mass? I'm sure a grunt from caveman A means hey, what's up, while the grunt from caveman B means to back off. I dont' know, rather just speculating.

What is, or at least should be highly important is that cultures study themselves first. There needs to be a legitimate understanding of one's own culture before any attempt at understanding another culture is made. How are you going to understand body langauge, or paralanguage in another country without knowing first what they FULLY mean in your own country? I don't just mean to look at people (which is fun to do....watching, waiting) and decide oh one eyebrow raised means s/he's quizzical.

I say this like it's an easy task, yeah I know it's not from the readings I've done there are 4,500 different definitions for communication in 2,600 categories broken down into 15 distinctive types which will be components:

Symbols/Verbal/Speech
Understanding
Interaction/Relationship/Social Process
Reduction of Uncertainty
Process
Transfer/Transmission/Interchange
Linking/Binding
Commonality
Channel/Carrier/Route
Replicating Memories
Discriminative Response/Behavior Modifying/Response/Change
Stimuli
Intentional
Time/Situation
Power

Ok thanks a whole lot Mr. Dance for wasting my time. How can you categorize that, what is communication into 15 types? And look, some of the types even have 3-4 types involved in it. This is why people don't take the time to study intercultural communication because it is such a complex field to study!

What does it mean to be American

The question of what it means to be an American should come easily answered, however to deduct a legitimate claim of understanding this is to be addressed head on.

The first thing to note is the distinction of socioeconomic classes in the United States. If you look at the government, as a general rule, more breaks are given to the wealthy and or the middle-class while the lower-class and working-class receives little to no breaks. These breaks come in the form of healthcare, taxes, education, employment and power. It is noted that those with more liquid assets, distinguished credit and investments have more power as well greater opportunity to stimulate change. An individual with more formal education and training has higher prospects of receiving monetary gain than their counterparts whom receive only a high school diploma or GED.

Obtaining a post-secondary education is highly encouraged and the majority of superior paying jobs are reserved for those with a college degree. The vast majority of high school diploma receivers who don't go to college earn about 12.8% less than those with a degree who will make 14.3% more over a lifetime (source: U.S. Dept of Ed.). Furthermore to relate this to gender it is shown that women unfortunately make roughly 28% less over a lifetime than their male counterparts. Credit is shown to be of absolute importance when their is an opportunity to receive higher funds, and opportunities for advancement. The better an individual's credit score, the better chance they have of receiving increased bonuses, employment, housing and healthcare.

These items are especially seen in young adults who have never had alot of assets to compete with those privledged individuals. Less support is given to those persons who have fewer assets, investments, and diminished health problems. Failure to acknowledge these as concerns will further put the United States behind other predominant countries in the world.