“Whenever a communication medium lowers the costs of solving collective action dilemmas, it becomes possible for more people to pool resources. And ‘ more people pooling resources in new ways’ is the history of civilization in …” Pause. “… seven words.”
Smart Mobs by Howard Rheingold, quoting Marc A. Smith, a research sociologist at Microsoft.
What mediums do you use now? (Phone, email, Twitter?) When do you use them? Which do you prefer to use the most? And why?
In its most simplified and boiled down form, all these various “web 2.0″ tools are communication mediums. The enable participation or history making, and in their use, will have varying effects on the intimacy, quality, and complexity of communication that you have with others.
If you only use a few mediums, consider adding something to your mix right now. Each medium will have a different level of effectiveness for you and the group you are targeting. Adapt to more and more new tools at the pace that you are comfortable with. And grow your influence.
