Confession:
I don’t like Tumblr.
After trying to use it a number of years ago, I gave up. Perhaps if I gave it another go I would enjoy it.
Here are a few of the reasons I didn’t like it at the time, however, you should keep in mind that it was a number of years ago, so some of my rational may be/is probably off base. That being said, if you’re a Tumblr lover, please don’t hate on me.
- No commenting.
- It’s more about liking, pushing, sharing and promoting content than it is about generating your own.
- Tumblr is a terrible blog, but it’s not a blog. It’s like Twitter–kind of–but it’s not Twitter, as your message isn’t limited.
Okay.
As I review my list, here, I’m finding it rather shallow; moreover, Tumblr has become an excellent engine/service for niche content. Some of my favorite sites are running on Tumblr.
Do you know someone who’s on Tumblr? Are you on Tumblr?
I still have an account, so I haven’t completely given up on the idea.
Who’s On Tumblr
Tumblr has been booming. Perhaps this is new to you, as it hasn’t crept into your circles.
Here’s why:
Tumblr is the favorite social networking site of Americans under age 25.
Tumblr is becoming a new place for users to share content with friends as they keep Facebook around to keep-up formal appearances with family and co-workers. It’s the perfect format, really. It’s easy to heart (like) content, follow other Tumblr’s and share any type of content you like–animated GIFs, YouTube videos, Instagram photos, tweets and general blog style writing.
In fact, people are calling Tumblr the “anti-blog.”
“What is the No. 1 reason that people quit blogging? Because they can’t find and develop an audience. This has been true of every blogging platform ever made. Conversely, blogs that do find an audience tend to keep adding that type of content. This simple philosophy boils down to the equation: Mo’ pageviews = mo’ pages.
But Tumblr does not conform to this calculus, and the reason is that a large percentage of Tumblr users actually don’t WANT an audience. They do not want to be found, except by a few close friends who they explicitly share one of their tumblogs with.”
Adam Rifkin from TechCrunch has accurately coined Tumblr, “Facebook 2.0” and he’s right.
Why Does It Matter
If you’re a youth pastor or college pastor, you need to know where you’re people live online. Take all those blog posts you’ve read about the importance of building community and engaging the online culture found in social networking (Faceboo, Twitter, etc …) and apply it to this. It’s a no brainer. Plus, I think the idea that Tumblr has become the place where young people engage in their real interests and real friends is an interesting element.
I’ve signed-up ChurchMag, but don’t look for any action quite yet, as we’re toying with the best approach.
Do you have any ideas?
Are you a Tumblr user?
I would love to hear your thoughts about Tumblr.
Also, what do you think about your church, ministry or non-profit organization getting a Tumblr page and adding to all the other social networks its active in?
[via TechCrunch]
Jason D says
I use it just like a Social Media page for a site I contribute at: http://confessingbaptist.tumblr.com/ post the headlines for our main site which is http://confessingbaptist.com/ Just another way to reach people.
Oh, and you can have comments, just depends on the theme you pick, most can be integrated with Discuss…. still would be better if you could do it from the Tumblr home feed.
Eric Dye says
Great feedback, Jason. Thanks!
Kara Stewart says
I’m still playing with it. I had to completely erase my non-Tumblr “blog platform” and social media expectations so that I could try to appreciate it for what it is. So far I’ve discovered some accounts that I really enjoy that I can’t imagine fitting into another platform in quite the same way. I see them reposted from Tumblr onto FB and Twitter, but it’s not the same. Two of my favorites are On Being with Krista Tippett (beingblog on Tumblr) and a completely silly blog dedicated to pictures of hipsters taking pictures of food (pohtpof). I’m more of a writer and less of a photo person, so I’m still figuring out how I’ll actually use it myself. But if you guys have created an account there, I’ll be following!
Eric Dye says
Awesome! It’s good to know I’m not the only one trying to get a handle on it. As much as I want to just start re-posting or randomly start using it, some forethought seems the better road traveled.
Rachel Blom says
Like you, I gave it a try but I didn’t quite ‘get it’. There’s a lot of sharing and resharing, but little interaction (although like a previous commenter said comments are possible). What I’ve noticed is that Tumblr works well with anything visual, a lot of memes originate here. Also anything trendy does well here, loads of fashion-oriented stuff etc. And yes, it’s a hotspot for teens and I know a lot of teens who really share dark secrets here in semi-anonymity…Unfortunately there are also many, many unhealthy Tumblr sites that make use of this popularity amongst teens, like pro-ana sites and porn.
Eric Dye says
I’m anxious to see how we can use Tumblr effectively. It’s time to shed some light in the dark places!!! 😀
Riley Adam Voth says
Amen. Haha. This has been my thought too. I advise most people to steer clear of it… but I’ve pondered how one might step to it in kind of an evangelistic way. But really, most simply, just engage it in a “light in a dark place” kind of way.
I know of some sites that are doing that, and I’ve been contemplating how I might make a presence there. I’m like you though… thinking before doing on this one.
Eric Dye says
What sites do you know of that are being a “light” on Tumblr?
Riley Adam Voth says
The one I’m most excited about (to the point I was considering applying here at ChurchMag to relay it on and talk design/ideas/innovation but wasn’t sure it would fit) is theproverbsproject.tumblr.com. Brilliantly simple. Simply brilliant.
But see, Tumblr is SO image/design driven. So nearly everything has to have that appeal it seems. So the majority of other things I know are just random designers just making graphics with hope and encouraging msgs like http://jesuschiko.tumblr.com/ or http://h-pe.tumblr.com/ for example.
That’s the wall for many, is it’s not exactly where people go to read, just click, share, and push content (like you said in the post). Could be good for luring people to an online shop though if someone had one.
Eric Dye says
Looking these up. Thanks for the links, Riley!
Aaron says
I have been using Tumblr for a long time & I love it. I view it as a personal repository or dumping ground of thoughts, ideas, finding, reposts, whatever. Almost like a blog for those who are shy or introverted but still want to express to share themselves.
I often want to share things I find online but don’t necessarily have the gifting to write about it & don’t necessarily care about the feedback. I wouldn’t mind helping out with the ChurchMag Tumbl! 😉
Eric Dye says
Cool! How would you like to help, man?
Aaron says
I would need guidance, for sure, but I’m thinking as a contributor of neat, creative, hopefully inspirational stuff, something like this:
http://aaronbird.me/post/47063024818/diego-stocco-duet-for-leaves-turntable
http://aaronbird.me/post/46966544236/trendgraphy-100-watercolor
If it’s sounds like something that would be a fit for the site, we can talk offline if needed.
Eric Dye says
Sure thing! eric[at]churchm.ag