Social media becomes a bigger factor in booking on almost a daily basis. Repeatedly in the past few months, I have heard producers, directors, and photographers say things like, "I wanted to know more about [insert your name here], so I checked out his/her facebook page and saw . . . " That lead in has ended with some really positive statements and translated into a booking for the named talent. It has also sometimes began a displeasurable rant about politics, sexuality, religion, and other topics.
Social medias are a new front for marketing, entertainment, and communication. Like most new things, we are going to have to learn some lessons the hard way before the younger generations are coached on how to use them effectively. Since most of us are already adults and making an effort to join the technological era, these words from BackStage blogger Mercedes Rose are well-timed.
Social media does make a difference. A producer in the room for final callbacks recalled a recent very negative Facebook posting one of the actor had recently done. The producer immediately said he wasn't "overly excited" about the prospect of that negative energy coming to set. Now, I totally understand that one negative FB status does not a negative actor make. The point is: this producer didn't want to take that chance. And that is his right as the one doing the hiring.
In his new book, Talking Back to Facebook: A Common Sense Guide To Raising Kids in the Digital Age, Steyer explores some of the effects of digital media and outlines strategies for avoiding what he calls RAP — relationship issues, attention/addiction problems and privacy pitfalls — while navigating the digital world. "Young people in particular often self-reveal before they self-reflect," Steyer tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There is no eraser button today for indiscretion."
There is a place for personal discussions in life - it is between those involved and in private. There is also a time for venting and bouncing ideas off of trusted sources - it is again, between those involved and in private. Social medias are too easily accessible, too quickly completed, and too likely to not be filtered based on statistical analysis noted in the book, Talking Back to Facebook.
There are ways to make certain posts visible to a specific group of friends; say, your family of origin, for example. Keep in mind, though, that the information you posted may only be immediately visible to those you choose, but it is still accessible out there on the worldwide web. No need to have haunting things pop up later when you make it big, right?
How are you using your social media positively? What results have you seen?
Insightful and well written! Learning to navigate the sea of social media is not only recommended, but necessary.
Posted by: Rob Mitchell | 09/05/2012 at 08:22 AM