Open (finds, minds, conversations)...: What is social media? e-Book

« Del.icio.us a million strong | Main | BBC in Microsoft web 2.0 deal »

"What is social media?" e-Book

If you're a subscriber to this blog then you probably know a fair bit about social media already, but you may still be interested in the e-Book we published at Spannerworks today called (imaginatively) "What is social media?" to pass to colleagues, friends and family who are curious.

You can download the book at www.spannerworks.com/ebooks

The book is a romp through a definition of social media, why it is important, and how some of the main iterations (blogs, wikis, podcasts, content communities and social networks) and a bonus bit on Second Life.

All feedback more than welcome - it's not intended as a defining work, just a helpful guide for people in media and marketing.

Posted by Antony Mayfield on 27/09/2006 | Permalink

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/556887/6191832

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference "What is social media?" e-Book:

» Spannerworks launches ebook on social media from Simonsays
The search engine marketing firm, Spannerworks, has launched an ebook giving a 'primer'to social media. The book, What is Social Media?, has been written by the firm's Head of Content and Media and fellow blogger, Antony Mayfield. It looks good. [Read More]

» London Calling from Eventualities
The fifth and final event in the University of Sunderland�s groundbreaking �Delivering the New PR� conference series will be held in London on 10 November almost a year to the day from the first event in Sunderland. Over the past twelve months w... [Read More]

» Social Media eBook Published from Micro Persuasion
Spannerworks, a search engine marketing company, has published a handy dandy guide to social media (PDF). The ebook covers the basics of blogs, podcasts, social networks, tagging, communities and Second Life. Thanks to Anthony Mayfield for sending me t... [Read More]

» What is social media? from Simon Wakeman
Spannerworks has just published a handy new e-book covering the basics of social media. ... [Read More]

» A Bluffers Guide To Social Media from Marketing & Strategy Innovation Blog
by: Karl Long Antony Mayfield, head of content and social media at Spannerworks (which appears to be a SEO company) writes an interesting article for BrandRepublic.com where he lays out a high level summary of what social media might mean... [Read More]

» Bluffers Guide to Social Media from Digital
Social Media is the catch all term for the new forms of interaction and communication that the internet now makes possible. A chap called Antony Mayfield has written a basic guide explaining the key points about it, and it's great. [Read More]

Comments

Good work, Anthony - an excellent primer for people from all walks. I'll certainly plug it for you!

I'm interested in your take on Second Life. To me, it's the acceptable face of online gaming, especially MMORPGs. While it's undoubtedly a success and is important, its numbers and cultural importance pale beside Everquest, Wow, Neverwinter Nights , etc. All of these have always have had as much of a social function as gaming, plus the creation of user media in the form of stories, levels and artefacts. However, because 'computer games are for kids', they don't really get the same attention from commentators. They're also approached much more suspiciously than Second Life is - as a source of violence in society, addiction and corruption.

I'll try to put some thoughts together.

Posted by: Ian | 27/09/2006 at 20:03

Cheers, Ian - great to get some positive feedback.

Second Life's difference I think is it's non-Tolkeinesque / non-sci fi theme, which makes it both more acceptable, and understandable to more people, which is why it has got so much mainstream media coverage.

I have an open mind this one, genuinely. I see it as a platform 'pon which all sorts of other virtual world innovation is and may yet be built. But fascinating as it is, my interest at the moment is purely professional - I've not fallen for the world's charms, nor had a chance to really immerse myself in it.

Posted by: Antony Mayfield | 27/09/2006 at 20:09

I was hoping for a more 'Mills & Boon' style epic... but hey, it's not bad.

Obviously what I have read (which is not all, yet) is top notch stuff. It's certainly made me rethink some of the terminology I've adopted. Excellent stuff.

Posted by: Simon Collister | 27/09/2006 at 21:37

Great guide. Easy to read and well informed. Have plugged it on my blog as well for you.

Posted by: Ben Carter | 28/09/2006 at 10:54

Very nice work Antony. This is a great companion piece to SHIFT's eBook on PR 2.0 Essentials.

Posted by: Lee Odden | 29/09/2006 at 12:48

Hey Antony, I finally got around to reading "What is Social media?" And what a triumph. A real down to earth overview of social media, true to the nature of the medium we are so passionate about. I salute you!

Posted by: Lloyd Gofton | 01/10/2006 at 17:27