Comments on: Social Media Week NY: So What Exactly Is the Role of the Social Media Editor?

By: Franco Rosanvallon

Franco Rosanvallon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:49:38 +0000

From the perspective of the Times, I am sure they see “Tweet” as jargon made up by a corporation that may or may not establish itself permanently in our language. They would no sooner use Xerox as a verb or Kleenex to mean a tissue. Twitter didn’t exist 5 years ago, and it’s entirely possible that it won’t exist in 5 years. Its users represent only a tiny fraction of the number of people who read the NYT online, in print, and by wire service. I think their stance is entirely appropriate in terms of their objective of communicating information clearly to all of their users–not just the ones enmeshed in social media.

By: Melissa Parrish

Melissa Parrish — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:25:27 +0000

Indeed, all your acronym are belong to us.

I did see that you posted that link this morning. I wonder if they’re allowed to use tweet in reference to what other people do, but not as a call to action? Now I really really want to know! Hopefully Jen will check her tweets and clear it up.

By: Planner Reads » Blog Archive » don’t fall in love with the technology in your hand

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:05:55 +0000

[...] Twitter, twitter, twitter. Rachel is herself, warts and all, on Twitter, Jen once accidentally sent a public tweet instead of a DM, and Cyndi stalks people on Twitter but doesn’t tweet. And by the way, the New York Times doesn’t recognize the word ‘tweet,’ they enforce “an update was posted to Twitter” instead. And that was the biggest ah-ha moment of the entire panel. And I’m not the only one to think so. [...]

By: Amanda Rykoff

Amanda Rykoff — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:57:47 +0000

Did you see that I posted a link this morning to the NYT’s use of “tweet” in connection with the Sun CEO resignation. Controversy! Social media (and gaming) has completely changed our lexicon. Unfriend, pwned, tweet, “facebook me” not to mention all the acronyms that are part of our everyday discourse (SMH, FML). It’s remarkable.

And I love that we’re having this conversation.

By: Melissa Parrish

Melissa Parrish — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:09:45 +0000

You’re right– Jennifer’s comment is easily the most talked about item that came out of the event. Between that and the recent inclusion of “unfriending” in the dictionary, maybe we should be putting together a “Verbs in Social Media” panel.

By: don’t fall in love with the technology in your hand / what consumes me, bud caddell

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:36:25 +0000

By: Amanda Rykoff

Amanda Rykoff — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:28:14 +0000

Melissa,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I appreciate your take on it, and having this dialogue is exactly why social media is such a game-changer. And who would have thought 5 years ago we’d even be discussing the role of a “social media editor” at big media companies. Amazing.

I received a lot of interest in Jennifer’s comment regarding “post to Twitter.”‘ You could host another panel on that subject alone!

Thanks again and I look forward to continuing the dialogue here and on Twitter.

By: Melissa Parrish

Melissa Parrish — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:24:32 +0000

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for tuning in to the stream!

I can’t say I disagree with your opinion that we didn’t actually define the Social Media Editor role, but I think I differ in the way I interpreted where the discussion ended up.

Just before the Q/A began, I asked whether the panelists thought the specialized role of a dedicated social media person would be long-lasting or if everyone needed to learn those skills. From their responses I understood that though there is no generally accepted/expected job description for a Social Media Editor, big media is committed to continuing to engage with its audience wherever/however it gathers, and that those companies need to be prepared to be flexible and learn on their feet as they continue embracing the social media world.

I do agree that Jennifer’s comment about having to say “post to twitter” was one of the most provocative tidbits. I’d love to know more about that one, too!

Anyway, thanks again for watching the stream and for sharing your thoughts.

By: Amanda Rykoff

Amanda Rykoff — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:56:00 +0000

Someone answered “trust” and it devolved from there. Not very helpful or insightful.

By: Benjamin Kabak

Benjamin Kabak — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:02:52 +0000

“What is most valuable thing you bring to your role as social media editor?”

What was the answer to this question? I’m always curious to hear how people who do social media work professionally for a media outlet answer this one.