Facebook Page Screencast

Watch my screencast on creating your own Facebook Page for your favorite novel. While I've created screencasts in the past (mainly for my mom when she needs help on the computer) I ran into several technical problems this go around including some audio problems with my not so great microphone. I think given more time and better training with movie making and audio editing software a great product could be produced for libraries and other outlets. As with anything it took much more time than expected. However, once a staff member has mastered the tools things will move much faster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBNuI2avvQ0

Lurkers be Lurkin'

“A lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely or never participates” (Wikipedia) Or in other words, the people who make up the majority of any given online community. Most anyone who has been part of an online community has been a lurker at one point. Often times people will join a community and choose not to post anything until they are comfortable. This might mean reading lots of posts, watching chat conversations and more. It might take the lurker months or years before they decide they want to participate. Yet these lurkers play a vital role in the success of your online community. To ignore or berate them is a sure way to end your community's success. 


Even if lurkers are not visibly participating, they may be promoting the site through outside sources. Perhaps they share links to forum posts on Facebook or hype up the community at a conference. Lurkers can often be one of your best sources for advertising. They might enjoy the content received from the community, but not yet feel they have a comment on it. Moderators of online communities need to take some steps to make sure that lurkers in addition to regular community members feels wanted.


Try reaching out to members from the very beginning. When a person registers send them a personalized email. Look at their registration profile and suggest areas of the community that might be of interest to them. If they mention that they love animals, point them towards your pet forum. Sign your name and include an email address where you can be reached if they have any questions. This personal touch lets each new member know there is a face behind the community and that it cares about each person. Run metrics on the community and see which users are participating and which have been inactive for a period of time. If you notice inactive members, again turn to the personalized email or even a phone call. Ask the member how they are doing, if they could use any help, or what you could be doing better to help engage them. Most places online would never go out of their way to check in on a member in this fashion. People are often elated to see their community cares about them on an individual level. 


If upon doing metrics of the site you notice a large percentage of lurkers or new members you might set up a forum just for them. Lurkers and newbies may be more comfortable having discussions with others that are at the same level as themselves. The fear of judgment from other members is virtually removed in a newbie forum. Members can ask each other questions and moderators can ensure that all question are answered factually. You may even consider a buddy system; pairing an experienced member with a newbie. 


Another way to encourage discussions is by asking engaging questions. If you want more people to comment on your blog post don't just post “What do you think?” at the end. Instead create challenging, thought provoking questions that people can't wait to discuss. When someone goes to post a comment in a forum or on a blog, consider making them login to their account. Users who are not yet members will be promoted to register, while members can enter their login information. By allowing anyone to see content you are more likely to gain a strong user base. People don't want to join or participate in a community if they don't know what it's all about. Let users get a sneak preview of what your community has to offer. Once they decide to engage they will find a quick, simple registration form.  


Lurkers are important to your online community. Make sure to nurture them and not push too hard. Many people will eventually start contributing if the content is exciting and interesting. In the mean time, make lurkers your advocates; let them evangelize for you.