What I Love About Social Media & Community: Generosity
June 16, 2008 – 11:41 am | by Daryl TayI had a very belated listen to Joseph Jaffe’s Jaffe Juice #109 last night while crowding around with a million other people at the PC Show in Singapore, and was moved by the social media miracle experienced by Keith Burtis, who was auctioning his wood turning artwork to the online community to get an engagement ring for his girlfriend.
It really got me thinking about the generosity of people I’ve met thus far in my social media journey. Within the first couple of months of jumping into social media, Sheylara drops an email volunteering her help for SMB, Caleb volunteers to sponsor SMB while absolutely getting nothing out of it, Tania of The Open Room helps me score an additional two tix to Marie Digby even though the initial tickets she had were gone, Sherms designs a SMB logo which took time and effort which frankly, she could’ve put into something that would actually make her some money.
And those are just the tangible ones, not including the help I’ve gotten when trying to find a place to stay in Canada or looking for specific case studies or news, and I am sure that I am forgetting a few more instances and I apologise for that!
There is something about people engaged in this space. A natural desire for community and exchange and sharing, even if the person giving doesn’t get anything out of it. Sure, there are people who I would call shit-stirrers within any community, but so far, it seems like they’re the minority.
What are your experiences with giving/sharing in the social media space? Is there anything I could help you with? Just ask and if possible, I’ll definitely help!
Tags: community giving, community sharing, jaffe juice, joseph jaffe, keith burtis, pc show singapore suntec city, sheylara, social media miracle, the open room
6 Responses to “What I Love About Social Media & Community: Generosity”
By Keith Burtis on Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
Daryl, Beautifully written post, ad not because of the mention, but because of the theme. I in fact have thought many times about ths subject and even considered a success stories book or even a daily podcast exposing the virtues and generosity of those in social media. It is being heard time and time again.
The Frozen Pea Fund for Susan Reynolds and the American Cancer society.
I did an artistic woodturning piece for Dave Fleet of Toronto. He was raising money fr Cancer while running and training for the Boston Marathon.
The story of the person who found he could not attend Podcamp Boston One and friends drove 100’s of miles to help get him there.
The list is seriously endless! Lets keep this thread and discussion alive. I am thinking of posting once an evening to Seesmic a social media story of the day.
Thank you for reinvigorating my thoughts.
Keith Burtis
By Daryl Tay on Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
@Keith Burtis: Thank you for your kind words! I’ve checked out your woodturned bowls and they are really something. I will definitely try to connect with you if I chance by the Buffalo area!
By shermeen on Jun 20, 2008 | Reply
Perhaps it’s also because most in social media are more than willing to start conversations. They’re folks who are genuinely curious in getting to know you and your area of expertise/interest whatever that may be. Thus, you’ll be happy to share because they’re sincere.
The blogosphere community is closer-knit as well, and recognises itself as a community. So if you’re a blogger and I’m a blogger, I feel like I want to help you because we’re all in this together.:)
By Daryl Tay on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply
@shermeen: yeah exactly! it’s like the more you give the more you get. Networking pays off too!