While there is still some work to do on Twitterville, the heavy lifting is over on my part as the publisher's efforts swing into full gear. Interviews about 125 people for the book and nearly 100 of them will be cited, to varying degrees in the book when it comes out Sept. 3. About that number are also acknowledged in the book for having contributed useful ideas or content.
It seems the core of my work since 2005, has been to talk with people about how social media is changing their work, culture and life in general. I have now interviewed more than 400 people in 41 countries for my two books and for my Social Media Global Report which has appeared on this blog off-and-on for three the last three years.
I put on hold last November when I started working fulltime on Twitterville. In better times, the SM Global Report had been sponsored by SAP, and Intel. I'd love a sponsor, but even without one, I will do the report as a labor of love. If you happen to think your brand would benefit by being associated with this ongoing project, I would of course like to talk with you.
But more than that, I would like your help in finding stories of how social media is changing work, culture and lives. My stories are about people. They can be business stories, but if you cannot personalize or humanize the story, I'm not the right guy to write it up. If you have a story idea, please contact me.
I have a particular interest these days in hearing stories about social media and health. I want to learn and report about people who use social media tools to learn, collaborate and share ideas about health conditions of all kinds. I am aware of the rising number of healthcare institutions joining the conversation, but for now, my focus is on people who have found support, encouragement, inspiration and-- most of all--choices.
I have been talking for a while with a friend about doing a book on the topic of social media's growing role in health and healthcare and I'm curious to see what is happening in this area and what sort of difference it is making.
But please, do not confine any story ideas you have for me to just health. Send me anything you believe would be interesting or useful to my readers.
Shel, this is music to my ears. I'll be on the lookout for stories to send your way. Best of luck.
Posted by: Mike Prosceno | June 08, 2009 at 09:38 AM
This is great to hear - I remember when I originally responded to the questions and reading everyone else's responses was so inspiring and educational. Looking forward to reading new reports - and maybe I'll update mine!
Posted by: Jacqueline Zenn | June 17, 2009 at 01:42 PM
As a family physician, half my time is spent debunking internet myths and other misinformation regarding health issues.
Hopefully, this problem will not be further advanced by social media.
Posted by: Gary Coath | June 20, 2009 at 04:42 PM
The topic is timely and timeless as the internet age will in a way brings us all closer together and yet keep us more apart as well. Often easier to interact online than in real life. Would love to have a copy of your book for the Vilnius Jewish Library!
Posted by: Wyman Brent | June 27, 2009 at 10:47 PM