Seth Godin’s post a day or so ago counting 5 of the Pillars of a Social Media Site Success is an interesting one as he outlines a few points and suggests that they are what make Twitter so darn hot.
I’ve reposted them here:
- Who likes me?
- Is everything okay?
- How can I become more popular?
- What’s new?
- I’m bored, let’s make some noise.
I surveyed it and my gut reaction was that something was missing…
So, from a ministry perspective, what would you add (or is it complete?)?
[Image from Atoach]
He missed "I need something". Also from a church perspective I use twitter as prayer guide. Much of my church staff uses twitter. I follow a dozen or so and get a good picture of what is going on and can regularly pray for people as they are in meetings and planning things. I think the rest of his list is good and true, but the I need something is used quite often (but only works if you have built some credibility already.)
I asked for suggestions on a place to stay for spring break this week. I got three suggestions and four offers of people willing to host. Including a free cabin three hours outside of Seattle. I couldn't use it for spring break but I am using it in June. I wasn't looking for offers of places to stay, I was just looking for cool ideas. So I got way more than what I was looking for.
I think especially from a ministry perspective, the thing that is missing is: "how am I serving others?" That's a question I at least ask of myself as I'm twittering, blogging, and facebooking.
What can I offer? i.t.o. assistance, links and making connections
What can I learn? the other side of the first question
i smell bacon?
I agree with Adam_S. "I need something" may actually be the key to Twitter's longevity (if it achieves longevity, and I think it will). At first glance, I thought something was missing, but I couldn't put my finger on it. People show up to see what's new, or to see who likes them. They return if they can become more popular (see any number of Facebook apps), at least for awhile. They only become "users" of a site if it fulfills a need.
I think as believers we can take that one step further and add: "What need can I fill?" Ministry is only truly effective if it fills one of its community's needs, particularly material or intellectual. While not a necessary question for social media sites, "What need can I fill?" is essential for the longevity of ministries.